Too many things, too little time?

So I was sitting here on my laptop with my typical 15 tabs open trying to multi-task (while Spencer nurses on my lap no less) when that cloud of overwhelm began to slowly cloud my vision. I began feeling like I didn’t know what to do first and the mental tailspin began. The questions started pouring in and the strategizing formulating.

“Ok if I do this first then I’ll have 10 minutes left to get these other two things done. Or if I get this started, while it’s going I can get these 5 things done. Ok this one I’ll leave for tonight after everyone goes to sleep – but wait will I have enough brain power for this at 9:30pm? Ok let’s rearrange…….” and on and on and on.

When I can’t figure out what the best way to start is, then get so cloudy in my vision I get paralyzed. I don’t even know where to start so I freeze, and this is completely normal when you’re juggling 15 things and trying to puzzle piece in how it’s all going to work and get done.

Such is the life of so many women and I get questions like this all of the time.

How do I manage overwhelm?

First reprioritize and reassess what really needs to get done. For years I actually found myself adding little things to my list just to be able to check them off and feel more successful, until I discovered deep down it made me feel even more stressed to have that much on the list to do! If you’re the kind of person to do this – then definitely take a good look at what you’re putting on there and remove what isn’t necessary.

But if this IS our normal pace – then how do we stay focused, not get overwhelmed or get ourselves back into that clear mental space quickly to avoid the tailspin and blood pressure rise?

Try these 3 steps next time you feel like there are too many things in too little time:

1. Get in the mental space that you can do this. Get up, shake the overwhelm could away and take some deep breaths. Stretch then remind yourself that you can do this! We can be our own worst critics but we can also be our best cheerleader. Choose the right girl to be on your team.

2. Write it all out – seriously take 5 minutes and write it all out, dictate into your phone or type it all on the computer. Then move each item around in order of priority or if in written form number each one in order of priority. I personally like moving things around on my computer to save time and mental space instead of scanning my list to find the next number.

3. Time yourself. This sounds ridiculous but if you are a competitive type or a the type to get distracted this works wonders. Give yourself an hour or 20 minutes or whatever time you have. Set a timer and get as much done as you can. You’ll be amazed at how this trick makes you focus and how effective you will be. Hey it works for the kids doesn’t it!

Each time you do this, whether its 10 minutes or an hour, make sure to recognize what you accomplished and feel good about it. When we focus on the positive we are in a much better more motivated state to tackle it again with gumption and energy than if we focus on all that we didn’t get done.

Remember – a state of lack contracts and a state of gratitude expands.

I’d love to hear how you beat the clock.