Did I Say 'Yes' OMG What Do I Do Now?

Know your strengths before making a commitment.

- Sudha Chandrashekharan

Rishika's colleague at work asked her, “Hey, Rishika, can you chair a new committee which we are starting soon?” All excited, without hesitating even for a second, here is her response Why not, sure, I will be delighted!

She is ready to dive in. Her colleagues are thrilled to have her on board.

Moving forward... Rishika happens to browse through emails piled up in her inbox and sees hordes of appointments on her calendar. It immediately strikes her that she is spread too thin. She initially agreed because she was working only part time and felt she had enough time to chair a committee.

But things have changed... there is less time and less space to squeeze in her commitment. However, the truth is that Rishika gets stressed out at the very thought of the committee and the consequences of backing out of the same.

Can you relate to this?

Are you ready to go back on your commitment? No!

You feel sceptical, as saying NO is never easy!

There is this emotional mix of remorse, incompleteness, and trepidation that overpowers you for you are one among those who always take pride in the fact that you are someone who will not flake on a commitment.

People are relying on you and you are proud of the fact that you are someone who keeps to his or her commitments at any cost. There is this fear of appearing weak; of disappointing others; and that of damaging your reputation. Your goal is not to over commit but to enhance your career prospects.

In addition, you also worry that this will burn bridges and project you in poor light as a team player and an unreliable person. The thought of revoking your consent and facing the brunt of another person's disappointment may be too much for you to take in. This is but normal.