I have recently split from my girlfiend of 7 years.
We had not been getting on and our lives seem to be going in different directions.
(she is a few years older than me)

I still love her, but it's just not enough. We have been fighting a lot and deep down I want to spend more time focusing on my goals, and spending time with friends, whilst she would be happy to commit more. I'm just not ready and I can't leave her hanging on.. especially if we are not as happy as we should be. Or even could be with someone else.

The question is, how do I let her know how I feel without hurting her too much.
When it comes to the moment I always say the wrong thing, she gets angry, then we argue.
I think she wants me back, but she is only remembering the good times.

I saw her the other day and she wanted to talk. But she is obviously still hurting badly and wanted to talk about getting back together.

I said she should wait a few days and think it over, call me then. But I know I'm going to feel the same way when she does.

I need to tell her it's over, and make it definite. Need to let her know that we need a clean break or it is just going to hurt us both more.

But how do I do this without making a mess of it?

Thanks in advance.

Tell her straight, and honest, FACE TO FACE, what you feel, and then dissapear from her life. Extremely strict NO CONTACT.

Exactly, be very honest and don't pussyfoot around it will break her heart but her tears will dry eventually, and at least she'll have the closure she needs by knowing exactly why you can not be together.

Honest... it will hurt her a lot but save her from the heartache of it dragging on longer