"Full-plate" can be an extremely infectious disease; despite the name, this condition is not about your diet. "Full-plate" is a metaphor for feeling like you have been given too much responsibility at work. CAUTION: the condition is as tempting as a Sunday Brunch. Institutions take pride, like a compulsive mother, in presenting an abundance of opportunities to satisfy your appetite for power, control and achievement. The doctrine of clean your plate adds to the dilemma. If you follow the lead of your 300-pound uncle, you fill your plate and strive to over-achieve. If you listen to the voice within and select the right amount of food, you work hard and attempt to deal with the pressure from the institution and your colleagues to do more. If you refuse a plate, you work at your own pace and set your self up for the consequences.

Keep it Simple:
"Full-plate" is a choice. Accept the responsibility, over-achieve and love it. You will rise to the top, become a leader and a hero.
Warning: You may have caught the disease if you go back for a third helping and then suddenly lose your appetite. The early warning signs of the disease involve feeling like the victim and complaining about how hard you have to work.

"Full-plate" is an opportunity for growth. Respond to your situation with clarity and awareness; maintain your focus and commitment. You are a positive member of the work force; you handle the details of your job.
Warning: You may have caught the disease if you bring BBQ ribs to a vegetarian diner. Victims sabotage their chances for success with inappropriate behavior and then resent the consequences.

"Full-plate" is a gift. Learn to be a productive, establish a balance in your life and enjoy your work. You have learned one of life's most important lessons, the ability to earn a living with integrity and style.
Warning: You may have caught the disease if you eat on an upset stomach and then blame the cook. Victims become martyrs and recruit others to join in the suffering; they are unhappy soldiers fighting in a war they have already lost.

Summary
"Full-plate" is a hazard to your health or a stimulant to your appetite depending on your attitude and maturity. Every area of your life has responsibilities with a variety of people, activities and needs competing to put food on your plate. Learning to handle all of your responsibilities is the basis of a healthy life; you need to eat a balanced diet. You can't focus on one area of your life to the exclusion of others; you can't live on bread alone!