Feeling Overwhelmed? This simple process can shift your perspective.
Posted on October 24, 2023 by Debbie Collard, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Feeling overwhelmed can happen to anyone. It doesn't matter what your job, role, or level is. When you feel that way, this simple process can help.
Anyone can feel overwhelmed, and leaders can feel especially overwhelmed because they have added demands on their time from bosses, peers, and employees.
Years ago, I received some invaluable advice that still helps me today. Normally an organized, high-performing leader, I one day found myself feeling pulled in multiple directions and sinking deeper into the pile of things to do. My colleague told me that when he found himself feeling that way he used this 3-step process to shift his perspective and not feel so overwhelmed:
Step 1: Find a quiet space where you won’t get interrupted for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths.
Step 2: Make a list of each of the things you need to accomplish and estimate how long it will take to do each one. (If a task doesn’t need to be done by you, don’t put it on the list).
Step 3: Prioritize the list. (This step may require input from others and it is a good idea to ensure the actions you are taking support your overall objectives.)
I began using the process that day and have used it ever since. Being aware that you are feeling overwhelmed acts as a trigger for this process. Finding the quiet space where you won’t get interrupted for a few minutes allows you to shift your perspective and it puts you in a better mental and emotional state by interrupting the stress you are feeling.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, try using this simple process to shift your perspective. You may still have a lot of things to do but you won’t feel as overwhelmed. The hardest part is making the decision to take the first step and today is a perfect time to start.
