How to Identify Commitments That No Longer Serve You
As women, we often wear many hats, juggling roles that seem to define us - engineers, mothers, leaders, friends. But what happens when the weight of these roles starts to crush us? When burnout is just a step away, it’s time to reassess where your energy is going. The key to reclaiming your peace and energy lies in releasing the commitments that no longer serve you.
For me, this moment of realization hit hard during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. I was a single mom of three, working full-time, still healing after a divorce, leading within my church, and supporting my friends' passion projects. Life became a cycle of exhaustion.
Every day felt like I was running on empty - traveling to and from work, church, school, and barely managing to breathe between it all. I felt overwhelmed, burned out, and on the brink of quitting everything.
Then, COVID hit.
For many, it was a season of loss…loved ones, jobs, and stability. But for me, COVID became my unexpected blessing. Suddenly, everything I’d been juggling was put on pause, and I had a rare opportunity to re-evaluate my commitments. I finally saw how much of my time was being spent on things that no longer served me or my well-being.
Though it came with its own challenges like homeschooling three kids in different grades, I started consciously choosing myself. For the first time in years, I incorporated walks in the park to rebalance my energy. I learned how to make space for soul care amidst the chaos of life. That simple shift transformed how I showed up in every area of my life and it’s a lesson I carry with me today.
How to Identify Commitments That No Longer Serve You:
Do a Time Audit: Write down everything you spend your time on in a week. You’ll be surprised how much of your energy goes toward things that don’t align with your personal or professional goals.
Check for Emotional Drain: Think about how each commitment makes you feel. Does it leave you fulfilled or depleted? If it’s draining, it’s time to let go.
Ask Yourself: Is This Essential? If the commitment doesn’t move you toward a meaningful goal or bring joy, it might be time to reconsider.
By identifying these energy-draining activities, you open the door to more peace, balance, and focus. It’s not easy, but it's necessary if you want to sustain your energy for the things that truly matter.
What do you need to let go?