Plan Your Commitments Wisely: It’s More Than Just Time

At the start of the year, it’s tempting to say yes to every exciting opportunity—new projects, extracurriculars, team roles—you name it. And sure, on paper, it might look like everything fits into your schedule. But have you considered the hidden costs of your commitments?

When you commit to something, it’s not just about time. Energy, accountability, and trade-offs matter just as much. Before saying yes, ask yourself:

1. Does this align with my priorities?
2. Is this more important than your current goals, like academic success or personal wellbeing?
3. What’s the long-term energy cost?
4. Will you still have the capacity to follow through, even when combined with other commitments?
5. Are there accountability factors?
6. Will others rely on you? If you drop the ball, how will it affect them?

Here’s the truth:

✔ Just because it fits your schedule doesn’t mean it fits your life.

✔ Saying yes to something now often means saying no to something else later. If your schedule is already full, you may have to let go of commitments or miss out on new opportunities that come your way.

✔ Overcommitting doesn’t just affect you—it impacts the people who depend on you.

Keep an eye out for Part 2!

In our follow-up post, we’ll delve into how to leave room for flexibility and deal with changing commitments throughout the year.

It’s good to have enthusiasm and energy, especially as students. Embrace your opportunities—but plan wisely to avoid burning out. Your time and energy are valuable, so invest them where it matters most.

About The Webinar

The PsySSA SD Multidisciplinary subcommittee presents a webinar on African Spirituality and Mental Health.

The psychology curriculum in South Africa tends to focus on  Western approaches while neglecting an African epistemological paradigm (Baloyi, 2021). Research shows that almost 80% of South Africans seek health care from traditional healers (Boum et al., 2021). These figures suggest the need for psychological services to be mindful of Indigenous knowledge systems and the often overlooked spiritual dimensions of mental illness.

Nompumelelo Prudence Kubheka, clinical psychologist & traditional healer, and Gogo Xolly, a traditional healer share with us their journey, insights, and knowledge on working with mental illness, incorporating holistic intervention, and how psychology students can gain cultural competency.

About The Podcast

Join us for an engaging and insightful episode of the PsySSA Student Division podcast, *”The Counselor: The Person and the Professional.”* This thought-provoking conversation delves into the personal and professional journeys of two distinguished psychology professionals.  

In this episode, our guests share:  

• The challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them.  
• Lessons learned from their personal and professional experiences.  
• How their personal identity has shaped their approach to clinical practice.  

This discussion explores the intersection of personal growth and professional development, addressing important topics such as self-awareness, managing bias, and the emotional impact of working in the mental health field.  

Whether you’re a psychology student, a budding professional, or an experienced clinician, this episode offers valuable insights into the balance between being a person and a professional in the world of counseling. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical advice, and conversations that matter in the field of psychology. Don’t miss out—subscribe to our channel and join the conversation!

Our guests share valuable lessons from their journey to becoming clinicians, offering insights into the personal and professional growth required in the field. They reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers and the resilience needed to navigate challenges. Their stories highlight the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and staying true to one’s values while evolving as a mental health professional.