Overcoming overwhelm

We all get overwhelmed sometimes. One of the leading causes of overwhelm is a large project. It’s often difficult to see how we can accomplish everything that needs to be done, and while trying to do it all, we fall into the trap of overwhelm.

Try taking a step back and identify the various steps required to complete the project. I know thinking about everything that needs to be done is daunting, but by taking the time to identify the steps, any smaller steps involved in larger ones, and the relationship between the steps we are able to create a purposeful path forward. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What steps need to be accomplished?
2. Are there smaller tasks required to complete any of the steps?
3. What steps need to be completed before another step can be started?

Once you’ve identified the steps, any smaller steps involved in larger ones, and the relationship between the steps you can begin to tackle one step and one task at a time. Breaking down the steps into smaller bite-size chunks allows us to focus on one thing rather than everything. It’s surprising how quickly we can move through tasks and complete steps when we’re focused on one thing at a time.

Action steps:

1. Take the project your working on and identify the high-level steps that need to be completed.
2. For each step, identify the tasks that need to be completed.
3. For each task, identify any sub-tasks that need to be completed.
4. Identify any steps, tasks, and sub-tasks that must be completed before another can be done.
5. Add the steps, tasks, and sub-tasks to your calendar in the order they need to be completed.
6. Set a deadline to complete each step, task, and sub-task.
7. Start with the first sub-task, task, or step and you’re on your way.