3 Indicators You’re Overburdened at Work

By Susan Guillory

As a driven entrepreneur, I get the temptation to take on endless projects, convincing yourself that you can handle them all and still deliver top-notch results. However, running my own company for more than a decade has taught me a crucial lesson: Sometimes, I’m wrong.

We hate saying no to new work because it means more money and potential long-term client growth. But it can also lead to stress, anxiety, and subpar work. If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you’ve probably overcommitted and need to pull back and reassess:

Not long ago, I was trying to take my daily afternoon nap, but the thought of this article and many others I needed to write kept me awake. I know, First World Problems, right?

It’s common for entrepreneurs to wake up at night thinking about their business. But if your insomnia is increasing and wearing you out, it could be your brain’s way of signaling that you’re in a tough spot.

Usually, clients are happy with your work, but recently, some have raised concerns about the quality. Although it’s hard to admit, it may be true that your performance is slipping (despite how awesome you are), and more clients are starting to notice flaws.

When customers spot issues, it’s a red flag. You’re in a danger zone and might lose clients if you can’t return to your usual standards. Trying to juggle too much makes it hard to maintain quality.

Being overworked also affects your personal life. An occasional late night isn’t a problem, but if it’s become routine, you’re likely overextending yourself. Ask your family and friends to let you know when they see you spending too much time working.

So, what can you do if you’re overcommitted? Start by saying no more often. You probably got here by saying yes to every project. I bet you don’t love everything you’re doing now. Next time you’re offered a project that doesn’t excite you, politely decline. This will allow you to focus on the projects you’ve already committed to.

Another approach is to outsource some tasks. Delegate the work you’re not passionate about so you can concentrate on what you enjoy.