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Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}  I am dealing with this right now as well. I was always the first to volunteer to do whatever other people needed. You need to be picked up from across the country with all your stuff and move back home? I'm there. You need to be bailed out of jail? I'm there. You need someone to house and feed you while you drift along, marginally employed? I'm there. I could keep going like this, but we both know how it goes.
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This made me laugh out loud. I've definitely been there. And it's hard to put the brakes on.
I had an epiphany several years ago and I made a list of the four most important purposes in my life. My life's goals, if you will. When I'm asked to do something that is going to translate into a considerable investment of my time and energy, I check to see if it is related to any of my four written goals. If not, the answer is no.
It incredibly liberating to have my priorities clearly in order, clearly outlined and available to use as a reference point when I'm not sure of what to do.
Your goals don't have to be strictly business goals. Quality relationships with your family members can be a goal. Serving the greater good can be a goal. Nothing selfish about those.
The important thing is to identify them, prioritize them and use them.