Overbooked - The Remix

Picture it: I’m in the airport, waiting for my flight. I’m either answering emails ,finishing up calls or checking messages before the flight. I notice everything, like when several of the gate agents are huddled together looking at the computer screen. When someone approaches the counter for a question, they give them the “Just a moment, be with you in a minute.” gesture. I glance at the time, and notice that it’s too early to announce the boarding. Yep, I know exactly what is about to go down. After the huddle, one of them takes the microphone and says:

(Now I have friends who work in the industry who explain it to me but it still doesn’t make sense, so this is just in case you want to explain it to me again - don’t bother lol)  I understand that empty seats don’t make money …… but still …?

Plans change, some people volunteer, it will take them longer to get to the destination, but sometimes there are perks. … vouchers for meals or future flights.   It doesn’t end up the way you planned, there’s a delay and inconvenience, but it happens.   Luggage will get there before I do, but I eventually make it to my destination……. later, but still I  arrive.

But then I realize ……. Wait a  minute, I am kinda like the airline.

I’m at home , getting ready for an engagement.  I’m either answering emails , finishing up calls, or checking messages before I  leave.  Then I notice that there are several events huddled around the same date and time.  Wait, I actually accepted the invitations. When people start to text or ask about the events,  I give them the “Just a moment, be with you in  a minute.” text.   I glance at the time, and there’s no way I can do all of the events.  Yep, I know exactly what is about to go down.  After my huddle with me, myself and I - we gotta make the text announcement.

“I am overbooked and can’t attend your event… I apologize for the inconvenience.”

I get so mad at myself   I think, “Who does this? Seriously, you are a whole adult person and you overbook your own schedule?!  Like who else was in charge, you accepted the requests and you knew you were overbooking and your schedule couldn’t accommodate all those plans.  Seriously, who does that?   This is my expression (inwardly and outwardly) each time this happens.

Overbooking usually happens when I am not paying attention.  Or when I tell my self that I am the multitasking queen and can attend two meetings at once, just put them on mute …. that did not go well.  Overbooking is something that may work to the advantage of airlines and hotels, but it doesn’t work for the human body and spirit.

Multitasking is overrated - I was the queen of multitasking - Attending a Zoom meeting on my laptop and another one on my iPad and phone.  It was not cute.  There is no glory or badge in honor of doing everything at once.  Something will have to give.  If you are with a group and can delegate, do it.  If not, ask if you can connect with the person after the meeting and do a follow up. I read a quote that multitasking can take a toll on us .. trying to do everything at once gets nothing done.

Pause before accepting- Before you accept an invitation, look at what’s happening before and after that time?  Do you have a window - take into consideration what it will take to plan for the event (packing bag, dress, or other things you need to prepare for the event)  Give yourself time to look at your schedule before you accept an invitation.  A colleague taught me a great tip - If possible, wait 24 hours before accepting an assignment.  Even if you are really excited, you will still be excited the next day and in fact, you will be more excited because it’s planned properly with no conflict.

No is a complete sentence - Just say no - sometimes we overbook because we don’t want to disappoint.  Oh well, sometimes it is going to happen. It happened when you overbooked and couldn’t  make it anyway.

“There’s no glory in overbooking,

When it’s our self care we’re overlooking.  “

Sheila P. Spencer

That is it.

That’s the blog. 

Love ya’ll,

Sheila