I have always loved making checklists. There is something so satisfying about creating a list of tasks to complete and eventually checking off each and every one. A checklist is a visible set of goals for the future; they're short-term goals, yes, but nonetheless I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I am able to delete a note on my phone or crumple up that piece of paper.

Keeping busy has always given me a sense of purpose, like each and every day holds worth and the potential to accomplish great things. That sense of responsibility, that someone is counting on you to do your job, makes me feel fulfilled. I found that I could get this sense of fulfillment from many different outlets; a job, an internship, a spot on the social team of my sorority, or as a college ambassador for a clothing line.

However, as I made the transition from high school and from a single sticky note on my laptop home screen to a 16" x 21" desk calendar filled with events, assignments, meetings and activities, I realized that there is such a thing as "too much."

It can become quite the balancing act: the weekly struggle of trying to schedule time not only for others but for yourself. You have commitments to your friends, your job, your team and your schoolwork, but what about personal time? Where do working out, hanging out, eating and sleeping factor into the equation?

It can be too easy to overbook yourself sometimes. Filling in the days of your Lilly Pulitzer planner can never compare to the actual strain and fatigue that comes with attempting to achieve every task written in it. Often we agree to more than we can manage at a time, maybe because we're too nice or too eager or simply because we think we're superhuman.

Remember that sometimes you need to just say no...

Don't feel guilty or obligated to commit to something or someone when your plate it already too full.

You can't do everything...

Even Beyoncé can't do everything (I actually highly doubt that).

You can say it nicely...

You don't need to be sassy or rude, just let them know where you're coming from but that you totally wish you could help.

But you need to know when to say no.

People are going to ask you for favors, for help and assistance and to commit to responsibilities you may not have the time or energy for. Saying 'no' and putting yourself first doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you self-aware.

If you don't have the time or capability to put your best into the tasks you have undertaken, then don't take on so many. Remember, quality is greater than quantity. I'd rather be known for doing a great job at something than having many somethings and half-assing all of them.

This generation may occasionally be labeled as "entitled and lazy," but nevertheless there is still constant pressure to "get that internship" or "add those extracurriculars to my resumé or application." We think that everyone else is busy, so being anything less than busy is deemed as disappointment or underachievement.

It's okay to be busy and to have a lot that you're passionate about and committed to. It's okay to not know what you're passionate about, and to still be looking for something that fulfills you. No matter what you are filling your weekly schedule with, remember to always "place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping small children or others who may need your assistance." Put yourself, your needs and, frankly, your sanity first.