"Overgiving Isn’t Generosity—It’s Self-Sabotage"

When Giving Too Much Takes Too Much

There's a story we tell ourselves:
That to be generous is to give endlessly.
That to serve well is to say "yes" to every request.
That our worth is measured by how much we overextend.

But here's the truth:
Overgiving isn't generosity.
It's depletion.
It's a slow unraveling of your energy, your time, your value.

The Hidden Cost of Overgiving

Every extra hour, every unpaid revision, every boundary crossed—it adds up.

• Your Energy:
  Poured out without replenishment, leaving you drained.​

• Your Time:
  Spent on others' demands, stolen from your own growth and rest.​

• Your Value:
  Diminished when you teach clients that your work comes without limits.​

And the irony?
The more you give beyond your capacity, the less you have to give well.​

Generosity vs. Overgiving

Generosity is intentional.
It's a choice made from abundance.

Overgiving is reactive.
It's a compulsion rooted in fear—fear of disappointing, fear of losing clients, fear of not being enough.​

One builds trust and respect.
The other erodes them.​

Why Overgiving Doesn't Serve Anyone

Consider this:

• Clients May Undervalue What's Free:
  When extras come without cost, they're often taken for granted.​

• You Can't Pour From an Empty Cup:
  Exhaustion leads to mediocrity, not excellence.​

• Boundaries Foster Mutual Respect:
  Clear limits demonstrate self-respect and invite others to respect you in turn.​

Choosing Sustainable Generosity

It's time to shift:

1. Recognize the Pattern:
   Notice where you're saying "yes" when you mean "no."

2. Set Clear Boundaries:
   Define what's included in your services—and what's extra.

3. Value Your Work:
   Price your offerings to reflect their true worth.

4. Practice Saying No:
   Decline requests that don't align with your capacity or values.

Remember, by preserving your well-being, you ensure that when you do give, it's from a place of strength and true generosity.​

Final Thought:

Your business thrives not on how much you give, but on how well you give.
Honor your limits.
Trust that they serve not just you, but those you aim to help.