Accepted Quote by Mary Catherine Bateson
“I had repeatedly accepted inappropriate burdens, stepping in to do what needed to be done. In retrospect, I think I carried them well, but the cost was that I was chronically overloaded, weary, and short of time for politicking, smoothing ruffled feathers, and simply resting.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Anxiety of Age, Mary Catherine Bateson, 1991
The speaker acknowledges taking on too many responsibilities, managing them competently but at the expense of personal well‑being and time for social navigation.
In simple terms: Taking on too much can be done well but leads to burnout.
Key Takeaway
Balance duty with self‑care.
Themes
responsibility
burnout
self‑care
social dynamics
Mood
tired
reflective
Type
advice
reflective
cautionary
When to use this quote
- career
- family caregiving
- volunteer work
- team projects
Key Concepts
role overload
personal limits
energy management
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you set boundaries without feeling guilty?
- What tasks truly need your involvement?
A Different Perspective
Even when handled well, chronic overload erodes health and relationships.
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