Word-Of-the-Week #627: Overwhelmed
August 11, 2016 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #627: Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed – the feeling you get when you have way too much “on your plate.”
How often do you feel overwhelmed? Daily? Weekly? Occasionally? Does knowing you have something to do but not knowing how to start make you feel overwhelmed?
Once again I share another S T E V E ‘ S….3 – M I N U T E….C O A C H I N G that is certainly fitting for what I am feeling this week. How about you?
Today’s Topic – PRINCIPLE: Overwhelm
(Principles are basic truths that, when applied,
cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)
To be in overwhelm is neither pleasant nor useful. But what can you do about it?
First, know that overwhelm is event-driven, thus for most people it only shows up periodically.
Still, when you’re in it, you’re in it. What are the attributes of overwhelm for you? What can you do or not do? What are your options? More importantly, how do you feel? Only when you can be fully aware of and embrace what’s going on when you’re in the throes of overwhelm can you begin to change it.
Next, become aware of what has happened to drive you into overwhelm. Too many activities at once? ‘In over your head’ in something you aren’t up to? Afraid of a possible outcome? When you start to look at what has caused you to get into overwhelm in the past, you’ll begin to see repeating patterns.
Finally, notice how you have gotten out of overwhelm before. Is there a common behavior?
Do you start doing something? Or stop doing something? Or do you just have to let some time pass and let the feeling fade?
When you have clarity from these three phases of the overwhelm experience you can begin to implement changes to lessen your time in it. Until finally you never live the uselessness of being in overwhelm again.
Coaching Point: Can you use these steps to assist someone else from being trapped by overwhelm?
— Copyright 2013 Steve Straus. All rights reserved. —
This quote by John Haining totally spoke to me! “There is a thin line between challenge and overwhelm.” I personally would much rather feel challenged than overwhelmed. (And my behavioral style is to take on a challenge, within reason!)
What’s the worst thing that could happen? I might not be able to make the time commitment I agreed to. But it will get done. Unless you’re a rocket scientist, it’s not the end of the world!
This week’s focus is how often you feel overwhelmed. Do you have a tendency take on too many tasks or activities? Or do you take on BIG challenges that you’re not prepared to handle? Are you realistic when it comes to “filling your plate?”
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