Chief Chaos Coordinator...

Let’s get one thing straight: when it comes to multitasking, I’m basically running on superpowers. Need someone to juggle five projects at once, remember everyone’s preferences, and still have time to put out the latest fire? I’m your person. My brain can handle a thousand things at once, and over the years, I’ve mastered the art of making it look effortless. But here’s the truth: just because I can multitask like a pro doesn’t mean I’m an endless well of energy and focus. And lately, I’ve noticed that while I’m busy keeping everyone else’s priorities in check, my own needs are slipping through the cracks.

It’s not that I mind being the go-to multitasker. I actually take pride in my ability to manage chaos, to keep things running smoothly when it feels like everything else is falling apart. But the downside of being really good at something is that people start to assume you’ll always be there to do it. They see you handling everything with grace and competence, and they forget that even the most resilient people need time and care to keep going.

The reality is that my multitasking abilities are a resource, just like time or energy. And like any resource, they’re not infinite. I can stretch myself pretty far, but there’s a limit to how much I can do before I start to feel the strain. When I’m constantly being asked to take on more—more tasks, more responsibilities, more everything—it starts to feel like I’m being taken advantage of. And while I’m over here making sure everyone else’s needs are met, my own needs are getting left behind.

It’s not that people are intentionally taking advantage of me. It’s just that when someone is really good at something, it’s easy to keep asking for help without stopping to think about whether they might need help in return. But the truth is, I’m not a machine. I can’t keep running at full speed without eventually running out of steam. And when that happens, all those tasks I’ve been juggling come crashing down, along with my own well-being.

What I need—what everyone needs, really—is some reciprocity. If I’m taking care of everyone else’s to-do lists, I need someone to check in on mine, too. I need to know that I’m not just a resource to be used until I’m worn out, but a person who deserves care and support just like everyone else. I need to feel like my efforts are recognized and appreciated, not just expected.

So, how do we change this? It starts with recognizing that multitasking, while impressive, is still work. It takes a toll, and that toll needs to be acknowledged. It’s about checking in—asking if I need help, if there’s something you can take off my plate, or even just giving a simple “thank you” that shows you see the work I’m doing. It’s about realizing that I can’t keep giving 110% if I’m not getting anything back to refill my tank.

It also means setting boundaries. I’m learning that it’s okay to say no, to let people know when my plate is full and I can’t take on anything more. It’s okay to ask for help, to let others know that I need some time to focus on my own needs before I can help with theirs. And it’s okay to expect that the care I put into others will be reciprocated, that someone will notice when I’m starting to feel drained and step in to offer support.

Because here’s the truth: even the most skilled multitaskers need time to recharge. We need space to focus on our own well-being, without constantly being pulled in different directions. So, while I might be able to handle a lot, I’m learning that it’s not my job to handle everything. And that sometimes, it’s okay to let someone else take over while I take a moment to breathe.

Key Takeaways:

• Multitasking as a Strength: My ability to juggle multiple tasks is a valuable skill, but it’s often taken for granted, leading to feelings of being overextended.

• Finite Energy and Focus: Just because I’m good at multitasking doesn’t mean I have endless energy or focus; I need time to recharge and take care of my own needs.

• Importance of Reciprocity: There’s a need for support and recognition—if I’m helping others manage their tasks, it’s important that my own needs are also considered.

• Setting Boundaries: Establishing limits and asking for help are crucial to prevent burnout and ensure that my efforts are valued and appreciated.

• Deserving Care and Support: While I’m capable of handling a lot, it’s important to remember that I, too, deserve care and support to keep thriving.