Overcoming Overwhelm: One Day at a Time
By Michele Parrish
October 23, 2014
Overwhelm is a like an ocean wave chasing us to the shore. We can feel like we will be swept under and tossed around in turbulent water. The first step to overcoming overwhelm is to equip yourself to ride the wave versus being controlled by it. A surfer uses a surfboard, a corporate or business athlete uses a disciplined thought process.
The first step in the thought process is to focus on getting focused. Eliminate distractions and eschew the “trivial many” to focus on the most important, most impactful activities for getting where you want to go. Identify the top 3-5 priorities for the day. Ask yourself, “What is this day really about?”
Once you are clear on your focus for the day, stay focused on those items. Do a mid-day check to make sure you are staying on track. At the end of the day, assess how well you did staying true to those priorities. If you did well, celebrate with some extra sleep, a favorite activity, or a special treat. If you didn’t do so well, chalk it up to learning and an opportunity to grow. Even pro surfers wipe out once in a while. The important thing is to get back on your board and ride the next wave. Practice will make you a pro.
