Do you experience moments when you don’t know which way to turn, there is so much to do and it feels as if it’s all on your shoulders? You are alone and unsupported, and can hardly breathe? Or does it feel more like drowning?
Yes? That’s overwhelm; the dictionary defines it as ‘bury or drown beneath a huge mass of something’ and the something could be workload, emotion or the strength of another, it also talks of complete defeat.
So the problem is overwhelm slows you down to such a degree you are in super slow motion or not moving at all, which then actually means you are going backwards! It happens but we need to be able to ‘see’ it and interrupt it – quickly before we lose precious hours, days and weeks.
Throughout this Mindset Matters series what will best serve you is to think of a specific goal or result you MUST produce this year; so have that in your mind now.
Step 1: Stop, 10 deep breaths!
Deep, belly breathing will both, calm you and interrupt the automatic nature of the brain when in overwhelm. It’s like the red ‘emergency’ button in a factory. If you can, then step outside with pen and paper or your phone and get a different perspective. The walk and the breathing make a big difference. You’ll need to make notes in step 3.
Step 2: Mindset
What’s going on right now shouldn’t be going on…
Yes that’s what you are telling yourself that is leading to you feeling overwhelmed – “I shouldn’t have to do all this alone, why is no one helping me, why does everyone want everything yesterday or why am I in this situation…” Familiar? So just be with what is going on – observe it much like you would a beautiful cloud formation passing in the sky. You will start to get new perspective.
Step 3: Chunk it down
Often if you’re experiencing overwhelm you are dealing with things at too high a level, so you want to chunk it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. And focus on one piece at a time – make notes here on the big picture and then the smaller chunks.
Step 4: Prioritize
In reality, we can only do one thing at a time, so identify which is first, second and third. Be ruthless about the time wasters or unimportant things.
Step 5: Renegotiate deadlines
Have conversations to see what can and cannot be renegotiated so you know where to focus. Is anyone (other than yourself) going to die if this isn’t done on time?
Step 6: Request support
I know you think no one else can do it as well as you can do it, but that will always be true if you don’t give anyone else a chance to learn – and you may be surprised that they can do it better! As a leader it’s your role to empower others and allow them to grow around you. But right now all I’m asking you to do is to THINK – who might be able to support me with this? – and really THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX! Don’t decide for other people what they can and cannot do; make a powerful request and be willing to hear the yes and the no!
Step 7: Keep breathing, deeply!
Stepping up and outside and breathing deeply, even if just for a few moments is critical to support you as you proceed, make it a regular practise.
Step 8: Say well done! To everyone; you too!
We all need energy and the best way to recharge your batteries is to celebrate your successes, each step of the way, not just at the end. Make it a daily practise.
How are you feeling now?
Great job! Now get back to that goal, and bring momentum where there hasn’t been much happening. Remember, I believe in you!
Please like my FreshHorizonsZA Facebook page for more mindset moments and support, as well as to stay in touch.
Your partner in performance,
Mandy
PS. Re the pic – yes that’s the glorious Swartberg Pass between Prince Albert and Oudtshoorn – retreat with me and I’ll show you the dance floor and we’ll watch the full moon rise over the amphitheatre of majestic rocks – incredible.
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