Why You Keep Overcommitting (and How to Stop)
a.k.a. how to stop saying yes to things you instantly regret

We have all been there and don't even TRY to tell me you havent! Yup.... You said yes (again).

Enter the internal battle instant regret verses guilt that ensues every. single. time.

You meant to guard your time, honour your limits, maybe even rest like a responsible adult. But now your calendar looks like a chaotic Tetris board and your soul feels... fried.

So why do we keep overcommitting—even when we know better? (and we dont even want to do it!)

1. You’re tying your worth to your output.

You’ve picked up the lie that being needed = being valuable. So you keep performing, showing up, doing the most. But God never asked you to hustle your way to holiness. Your worth is secure in who you are in Christ, not how many group chats you moderate or muffins you bake for the church bake sale.

2. You’re afraid of disappointing people.

Hi, yes. Recovering people-pleasers anonymous. Welcome to my club!
But here’s the truth: saying “no” doesn’t make you mean or selfish. It makes you wise. Obedience to God will sometimes mean disappointing others. That’s not disobedience—that’s discernment. There can be an unhealthy narrative within Christianity that you have to say yes to everyone, becasue thats loving them and serving them... like Jesus did right? But we have a limited capacity and at some point saying Yes is actually not serving ANYONE... most of all you and the ones closest to you!

3. You’re unclear on your priorities.

When everything feels urgent, everything gets a yes.
But clarity leads to boundaries. When you know what God’s asked of you in this season, it’s easier to let go of things that aren’t yours to carry.

So how do you actually stop overcommitting?

• Pause before you respond. Seriously. Even 24 hours can turn a people-pleasing yes into a prayerful no. If its a yes from God, He will give you all the energy you need so don't worry about that.

• Ask yourself: “Does this align with the season I’m in and what God’s called me to right now?”

• Try this line: “I so appreciate the opportunity, but I can’t commit to that right now.” (It’s polite. And it works.)

Here’s the takeaway:

You were never meant to do all the things. You were meant to do the right things—with grace, intention, and peace.
Because burning the candle at both ends t isn’t spiritual. Obedience is.