When Overcommitment Steals Your Energy, Your Ambition, Your Success, Derails Your Goals…
Asha Ghosh (MA)
Transformational Leadership Coach; Empowering Women in Creative & Tech Agencies to Lead Authentically Without Self-Doubt, Imposter & Performance Burnout, Whilst Preserving Well-being | Leadership & Team Coach
Hey,
We know we overcommit. And we know we need to put boundaries in place. But these two opposing forces pull at us, and more often than not, we stick to what we know best—saying yes, pushing through, and figuring we’ll rest later.
I’ve been there—caught in the cycle of overpromising, overextending, and then wondering why I feel drained instead of making real progress. Overcommitment isn’t just about time—it’s about energy. And when our energy is stretched too thin, our focus, well-being, and ambitions take the hit.
And yet, even when we know this, change feels hard. The idea of setting boundaries can feel like another big thing to do—one more decision, one more conversation, one more shift we don’t have the capacity for.
But what if boundaries didn’t have to be big?
What if they started with small, powerful choices that help us recalibrate in real time rather than staying stuck in the cycle of doing?
But let's start small. Not because small is the goal, but because small is possible.
What I’ve Learned About Boundaries
Boundaries aren’t just about saying no to others. They’re about saying yes to yourself in ways that protect your energy in a way that helps you.
I call these micro-boundaries.
What Are Micro-boundaries?
Micro-boundaries are small, intentional shifts that help you break the cycle of too much. They’re the circuit breakers if you like that stop overwhelm from running the show.
Like this…
None of these are radical. But doing nothing keeps you stuck. Change starts with something simple—because that’s what you’ll actually do and then you build on it, also what you have is a boundary!
Why Do We Struggle with Boundaries?
It’s hard to prioritise yourself when you’re driven to do more. But here’s what I’ve learned (and I’m still learning!): Full throttle doesn’t equal finishing things. Moments of quiet not only give you needed moments for you, but often they are the moments we make sense of what we are working on too - they bring much-needed clarity!
Boundaries aren’t about being less productive or losing ambition. They’re about working with your energy, not battling against it. And surprisingly, when you take care of yourself, you end up achieving just as much.
How to Start? One Small Step Today.
Don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of changes. Begin with one micro-boundary—just one conscious decision that challenges overcommitment.
For a long time, I thought boundaries meant shutting things down—saying no, closing doors, cutting back. But working with clients (and figuring it out for myself), I realised it was never about rejecting everything. It was about protecting what mattered most.
That shift made a bigger difference than I expected - I am more present in my work, on what needs my attention, clearer in my decisions, and more aware of how much energy I have to give.
Need Help?
If setting boundaries is your nemesis too I’m open to hearing how we can create space for your success and have boundaries —without sacrificing your drive for success.
Click here to book a chat.
We’re all a work in progress with support and understanding, we can find ways to make shifts that work with us!
My name is Asha Ghosh, and I coach leaders to find out how they can thrive and be impactful and find new ways to succeed whilst having clear boundaries with their team, their home life and most importantly their wellbeing.
If you enjoyed reading this article, check out my newest blog by clicking here!