We overcommit.

We take on too much or are given more than we can handle (and run scared of pushing back).

And the world turns and the deadline matures and we’re behind the curve and jumping into crisis mode.

Then we’re dealing with an increasing list of immediate priorities and spending as much time trading favours and emergencies. Probably with more focus and energy than it would have taken to line up tasks with diaries in the first place.

Most people understand you can’t do everything immediately. They even understand if you tell them the deadline is unrealistic and offer something achievable – especially if this conversation happens at the start and certainly no where near the expected end.

What they don’t understand, what frustrates and irritates – when you say Yes knowing you should have said No.

It all starts with kidding yourself.

Don’t do that.

Skippy strategy: Don’t kid yourself.