As we approach the holidays, we will have the opportunity to indulge. We will see our favorite foods, new foods, foods we haven’t had since childhood, and food we swore we’d never eat again. In some situations, we will have the opportunity to fill our plates and go back for more. For me, this reflects life. We have so many opportunities in front of us, and all outcomes depend on which ones will we add to our plate.
I was speaking with a student the other day that has a full plate with all the things you’d expect: school, work, extracurricular activities, family, and a personal life. He was struggling to deliver on his responsibilities and felt bad that he hadn’t met the goals he had committed to. No one feels good about overpromising and underdelivering. Why do we over commit ourselves? Is it related to beefing up our resume? Is it a feeling that we’re the only person that can do the job? Are we shopping for new experiences to add to our collection? Are we unaware of how time consuming these commitments will be?
When you have an opportunity to fill your plate, do you leave room or fill it to the brim? Does your method work? Is so, what is your secret? My secret for this holiday season and new year is to leave room around the edges for that opportunity (or dessert) I wasn’t anticipating.