Too much on your plate?

Let’s face it. Most of us have encountered a time in our lives when we feel completely full, can’t take on another thing, and fear what it will take to get to the other side.

The biggest problem with being overwhelmed isn’t the myriad emails screaming for your attention.  The real issue isn’t the pile of mail or documents that you fear not getting through. Nor is your dilemma the many projects with your name on them that you aren’t sure you can juggle to implementation. The hardest thing about feeling overwhelmed is knowing it, but not having a clear idea of exactly where you are and what you need to do to get to solid ground.

There are some who, in the throes of being inundated, keep just how out of control things feel to themselves. This is the second worst part of being overwhelmed.

The third worst part of being overwhelmed is that, from within it, you are not operating at your most empowered self. And this, my friends, is not where we want to be.

It is never too late to admit to yourself, and others, that you’ve taken on more than makes sense or is healthy. Here are five steps that you can take to move you out from under too much to handle toward a greater sense of peace:

A quick note before we get started – free yourself - don’t waste your energy beating yourself up about having too much on your plate. Don’t think about what you coulda, shoulda, woulda, done. Don’t obsess over what you assume people are thinking. Instead, spend your energy where it matters - on moving forward. Getting to the other side is what counts.

1) Step one is to make, and keep, an appointment with yourself to confront where you are. Honor this time for progress in the direction of getting your arms around what is keeping you up at night. You’ll be tempted to, instead, get right down to your inbox. Trust me. This is an appointment that will be well worth your time. What you need here is time to think and get clear. If you can’t schedule an hour, schedule 15 or 30 minute increments throughout the week.

2) Respect this critical time appointment and spend it getting clear about where you are. What, exactly, is on your plate? Write it out. Create a list of to-dos using your calendar system. Get it down in whichever tool works for you. The important thing is to confront what is swirling around in your head by getting it out of there and into the light of day.

3) Prioritize your list according to what absolutely must get done first. A good place to start is with the few things that are nagging at you the loudest. You know what they are.

4) Work your list and allow others to help you. The goal is to get it done. Focus on that and let go of the need to do it all yourself. Delegate those tasks that you don’t need to accomplish yourself.

5) Step five is really important. Give yourself the time to get caught up. Be realistic about what you can do in a day or in a week. Focus is what will get you to the other side.

My friends, the key to getting through any difficult situation is getting to the truth about the matter so that you can move on. 

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:32

Apply this principle whenever you start to feel like you've taken on more than you can handle.  It is always the key to a better day.

I would be honored to support you toward better work/life balance. Contact me  for a complimentary consultation.