Are you finding yourself overly committed by too many things? Is your personal schedule overbooked and you feel like you never have enough time? Have you said yes to something or someone and then later wished you had not done so? I have experienced that a lot through the years. There are so many things demanding our attention and time in today’s world. We have a responsibility to take control of our time by living by priorities and not just pressures.

Josh Billings has said that “Half of the troubles of this life can be traced to saying Yes too quickly and not saying No soon enough.” It is wise to take time to consider the possible ramifications and consequences when asked to commit to something instead of just being impulsive by hastily saying yes. We are more prone to fall into this trap, when we are tired, stressed out, and not thinking clearly. The Bible describes it this way…“ What a shame – yes, how stupid! – to decide before knowing the facts!” – Proverbs 18:13 (TLB). It is important to have time to think about how these opportunities will effect our responsibilities, such as our job, relationship with our family, and other obligations.

One way to create some additional time instead of reacting too quickly is to respond by saying something like: “Let me take some time to consider this, and I will get back with you soon.” It may be something you really want to do, but you are not sure if you can due to some possible schedule conflicts. In that situation, I like to respond with one of my favorite sayings… “It is a Definite Maybe”. This way, you are affirming your interest but at the same time being honest and realistic. We are living in a day when, things can change in our daily lives quickly, so it wise for us to be more flexible when possible.

So the next time you feel pressured into doing something, .. even something you would like to do but you aren’t sure that you can, just say … “It’s a Definite Maybe.”