Back in college, I knew a student—let’s call her Mia—who seemed to be everywhere.
She was in the debate team. The student council. Three different clubs. A volunteer group. She was always running between meetings, organizing events, and saying yes to everyone who asked for help.
People admired her energy. But by the end of the semester, Mia wasn’t thriving—she was struggling.
Her grades dropped. She was constantly exhausted. And one night, after another sleepless deadline, she broke down.
“I don’t get it,” she told me. “I try to be involved, I try to help everyone, but I just feel… drained. And still, I feel like I’m not doing enough.”
That was the moment she realized: trying to please everyone meant failing herself.
If you’re a student juggling too many commitments, here’s what you need to know:
↳ Saying yes to everything means saying no to yourself. Time and energy are limited. Every extra club, project, or commitment you take on pulls focus from your studies, your health, and your personal growth.
↳ People respect those who set boundaries. You don’t have to prove yourself by overloading your schedule. True leaders know when to say no, protect their time, and focus on what matters most.
↳ Depth beats breadth. Being “kind of involved” in ten things won’t help you grow. But going all in on two or three activities you truly care about? That’s where real impact happens.
↳ A strong no is better than a weak yes. Instead of stretching yourself thin, learn to say:
✔️ “I appreciate the invite, but I need to focus on my priorities.”
✔️ “That sounds great, but I can’t commit fully, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
✔️ “I’m already involved in a few projects—I want to give them my best effort.”
Mia eventually learned this. She stepped back from the activities that drained her and focused on the ones that truly mattered. Her grades improved. She had more energy. And most importantly—she regained her confidence.
College isn’t about doing everything. It’s about choosing what matters and doing it well.
So, before you say yes to another club, ask yourself: Am I doing this because I truly want to—or because I’m afraid to say no?
Because setting boundaries isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.
♻️ Repost if you believe setting boundaries is a sign of strength, and follow Jef Menguin for more leadership insights.
