Quick question – have you ever bitten off more than you can chew?

Where and how did that saying originate? It totally sounds like something a mother would say.

I spent a quick 45 seconds trying to research the origin of the saying but didn’t find much other than the idiom meaning: “Attempt a task which is too difficult to complete”  (and I found a fun World War II photo with the saying on it that you can see here).

Anyhow, I have a tendency to take on people and situations that I later realize are exactly that…way more than I can “chew”.

This past weekend this tendency of mine hit me full-force (really, it was my sister who hit me).

My sister reminded me when, several years back, I thought it would be really cool to host a foreign exchange student.  It was an expensive lesson to learn and I had quite vehemently said after the nine months that the next time I wanted to give back, I would give $1,000 to a charity instead.

Now I’ve done it again, as a business owner I continue to take on learning projects, classes and books in wild anticipation that I can become and be the best Virtual Assistant out there. I am working on balancing my bookkeeping services with social media services. But…just because I am striving to become known more as a social media Virtual Assistant does that mean I have to be present 24/7 on social media? I think not.

At some point one must realize — really realize — there are only so many hours in the day.  For me, the most difficult realization has been that my personal reading time has been reduced. I realize that I consume countless articles and newsletters that arrive in my Inbox. Additionally, I take time to read blog posts and links that others share with me. I read through Twitter streams in order to find 140 characters that are worthy of being re-tweeted.

If I RT a little less than you are accustomed to seeing or you see me on Twitter less..it’s not because I don’t have the time…it’s because I want to wrap my hands and mind around a mind-developing hardcover. (or maybe get those three pleasure websites built)

What have you bitten off? What commitments have you made to yourself to “empty your mouth”?

Photo Credit: mattox

About Michelle Mangen

Michelle Mangen is a single-mom of a son who always makes her laugh (when he's not arguing with her) and owner of Your Virtual Assistant in Neenah, WI. Your Virtual Assistant provides virtual services to small business owners who realize that not only can they not do it all in their business but also realize that their time is better spent on the tasks that provide them with the greatest return on their invested time. She can be found on Twitter as @mmangen