On Giving Up

This is the face I make to myself in the mirror each morning.

CC BY-NC-SA Flickr user andres.thor

And I wonder why the wrinkles keep getting deeper.

So even though I anticipated feeling overwhelmed by all the crap I have to do while classes are in session, it never really keeps me from adding more to my plate.  Y’all, I’ve got a SERIOUS case of that’s-awesome!-sign-me-up-itis.  Allow me to revel in the narcissism of this blog and list out all of the things I’ve committed to this fall:

1. Twelve credits of graduate coursework.
2. Two group consulting projects.
3. Two part-time jobs.
4. One fledgling tech start-up.
5. Two business competition entries.
6. One neglected husband.
7. Dozens of ignored friends and family.
8. One precious little blog ;)

Well, shit.  Now that I’ve written it down, it doesn’t look so bad.  Maybe if I write out every single class assignment or work deliverable you’ll have more sympathy for me?

WHO AM I KIDDING!  Y’all got your own shit to worry about, don’t you?

It’s not really that unique to be overwhelmed by life, especially if you are a graduate student.  We all gotta work.  We all have relationships to maintain.  For those of us who are truly engaged in the world, there is no limit to what can find its way onto our calendars.  But there are only 24 hours in a day; and when push comes to shove, you gotta be ready to make some tough decisions about what really deserves your time.

I’ve always been a gut instinct kind of girl.  Whenever I’d start feeling like I’ve piled it on too high, I’d just shake off the heaviest burdens and keep on movin.  Deep contemplation… pro vs. con lists… who needs em!  Just make up your mind and keep on winning.

Alas, times they are a’changin.  For some reason I am struggling to decide what needs to stay and what can go.  Do I drop a class and add it to next semester?  But that might overwhelm me next semester–the one in which I plan to be doing some heavy job hunting!  Do I drop my web app business competition entry?  What if I never have another opportunity to gather a group together to see my idea realized?!  I could be the next Zuckerburg, damnit!

I fear the time has come for a pro vs. con list.  How else am I to decide?  How do you decide when to give up on something?

xo Em