You clogged the sink; the dog threw up on the carpet; you’re late for a client call; your phone notifications are nonstop; and you’re still working on last Tuesday’s to-do list. You’re headed for an emotional tsunami. Yet you can’t take your foot off the gas for fear you won’t be able to get going again.
It’s time to let go of overwhelm.
Your ‘always busy’ or ‘always overwhelmed’ mantra isn’t doing you or anyone else any favors. Your continuous complaining is driving others away. Unless you’re willing to do something about it, here’s what sticking with overwhelm gets you:
- -poor health
- -missed deadlines
- -fewer invitations
- -fewer clients
- -less respect
If you’re ready to let go of overwhelm and do something uncomfortable (all change is uncomfortable until it’s not), then you can look forward to:
- -more energy
- -realistic timelines
- -more invitations
- -more clients
- -greater respect
What does it look like to let go of overwhelm? That’s something only you can define. Here are a few things that work for me:
- -getting better at estimating time and effort of needed to complete my work
- -under-committing to allow for the unexpected
- -saying no or offering alternatives when I’m already committed, instead of rearranging things
- -being crystal clear on my values and priority every day
- -using my calendar as a visual reality check and as a replacement for my to-do list
If letting go of overwhelm starts with making one change, are you ready to make it?
