Recently I had the opportunity to get some feedback on my work style from three former managers. I got high marks from all three for strong leadership qualities, technical prowess, and the ability to bring people together. They also agreed on my main weakness: I frequently overextend myself. Ouch!
This was not the first time I’ve been told this about myself, but it was the first time I actually listened. In that moment, I thought back to all of the times when I found myself signing up for just one more class/workshop/committee/activity just when my life was spinning out of control. Why add one more thing in the midst of chaos? Because it allowed me to avoid the issues that needed to be dealt with, be they personal or professional.
While some problems solve themselves, I’ve come to accept that avoidance-by-overextension just creates more problems. So instead of signing up for another thing so I can avoid the things that need handling in my life, I am putting on my big-girl panties and tackling them head on. I may not solve every single problem, but I plan to get a few big wins.