Just Because You Can Make It Work Doesn’t Mean You Should
I’ve had several clients who are optimizers. They are masters of “making it work.” However, in a world where hustle culture dominates and success is often equated with how much you can juggle, we are constantly reminded that if there’s a will, there’s a way. This mentality can be empowering in moderation, but it can also lead us down a dangerous path of overcommitting ourselves to projects and responsibilities. Just because you can make something work doesn’t always mean you should. In fact, forcing yourself to handle everything often leads to one major consequence: overwhelm.
The Myth of “Doing It All”
Modern society celebrates the idea of "doing it all" — working a full-time job, keeping up with side hustles, maintaining relationships, staying fit, managing a household, and so much more. For many, it’s not uncommon to hear phrases like, "If I just work harder, I can fit this in," or "It’s going to be tough, but I can make it work."
The problem is that this mindset creates the illusion that everything is possible, if only we push ourselves far enough. And sure, you might be able to squeeze in every task and responsibility on your list, but the toll it takes on your mental and physical well-being can be staggering.
The Cost of Overwhelm
When you take on more than you can comfortably handle, the initial sense of accomplishment can quickly give way to stress and burnout. What starts as a small “Yes, I can do this” moment turns into a growing burden as deadlines loom, expectations rise, and your to-do list becomes never-ending. Here’s what happens when you try to make it all work:
Mental Fatigue: Juggling too many things leads to decision fatigue. Your brain is constantly switching gears, trying to keep track of what’s next. This often leads to poor decision-making, forgetfulness, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Increased Stress: The pressure to meet deadlines and deliver on multiple fronts creates chronic stress, which can manifest in various ways—irritability, insomnia, anxiety, or even physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.
Declining Quality: When you're spread too thin, the quality of your work often suffers. You may find yourself rushing through tasks just to get them off your plate, leading to mistakes, missed opportunities, or half-hearted results.
Neglected Self-Care: The more you pile on, the less time you have for yourself. This means sleep, exercise, and hobbies often take a backseat. Over time, neglecting self-care can severely impact your health and well-being.
Burnout: Ultimately, trying to “make it work” all the time can lead to complete burnout. You might reach a point where your energy is depleted, your motivation disappears, and even things you used to enjoy feel like burdens.
The Power of Saying "No"
So, how do you avoid this cycle of overwhelm? It starts by recognizing that just because you can make something work doesn’t mean you have to. Sometimes, saying "no" is the most powerful thing you can do for your mental health, your productivity, and your long-term success.
Here are a few tips for setting boundaries:
Prioritize: Focus on what truly matters. Take a step back and ask yourself whether taking on a new task aligns with your goals and values.
Assess Your Capacity: Be honest about how much time and energy you have. If something feels like it will stretch you too thin, it’s okay to decline.
Delegate: If you’re in a position to delegate tasks to others, do it! Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for overwhelm.
Practice Self-Compassion: It’s easy to feel guilty when you say no or turn down an opportunity, but remember that protecting your well-being is essential to long-term success.
Conclusion
It’s important to recognize that just because you have the ability to make something work, doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to do so. The cost of overwhelm is real and can leave you feeling drained, unmotivated, and unable to perform at your best. Instead, practice discernment and learn when to say no, so that you can focus your energy on what truly matters. After all, success is not about how much you can do, but how well you can do the things that matter most.