I’m sure all of us have had moments in our lives when we felt overwhelmed. Sometimes stress comes in waves. Other times we seem to be spreading ourselves thin for weeks, months, or even years. Regardless of whether we got ourselves into this state OR unforeseen events landed us here, it can be difficult to work through these daunting times.
I find myself overwhelmed when I can’t complete a series of tasks before a specific deadline and sometimes when I have to make big decisions that impact others. These circumstances are compounded by my desire to please people and make things perfect.
In the past, I have received this well-intended yet useless advice: Don’t worry! It will get done. It always does. *Insert cheesy smile and pat on the back* They should have just said, “I don’t have to worry. You will get it done! You always do.” Some may take this advice as encouraging and motivating, but I take it as “This is not my problem” and “I don’t plan on helping you with it.”
Recently, I was introduced to a technique that helps when I get overwhelmed. I ask myself, “What is the next RIGHT thing to do?” This concept is used in addiction programs when addicts become overwhelmed with the thought of remaining sober the rest of their lives. Instead of being consumed in their long-term goal, participants are encouraged to do “the next right thing.”
That may include: getting out of their current environment, going to an AA meeting, calling a sober companion, going to work out, etc. They become less overwhelmed by focusing on their immediate choices. Thus, they are more likely to reach their long-term goals.
Why this technique works for me:
- Redirects my attention to what needs to be tackled next, instead of being overwhelmed by the end goal
- Helps me prioritize and focus on the “right” steps to take
- Instills a sense of productivity and accomplishment along the way, which in turn motivates me to keep moving forward
Steps to make this technique work for you:
- If you’re having trouble prioritizing, write out a list of everything that needs to be done and organize them into categories (home, family, personal, work, etc.). Then prioritize tasks within each category.
- Break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Combining five tasks into one step is NOT going to make you feel less overwhelmed.
- Remember that choosing the “right thing” means you won’t always get to choose the thing you “want” to do.
- Make sure that the tasks you’ve listed and prioritize are on track to help you accomplish your ultimate goal.
Reflect on your ability to choose the “next right thing” and adjust as necessary. Ask yourself:
- Am I overwhelmed because of choices within my control or extenuating circumstances?
- How well have you prioritized tasks that need to be accomplished?
- Did you break tasks down into manageable chunks?
- Were the tasks you prioritized on track to get you to your goal?
- What other factors may have attributed to not completing the task at hand?
I hope you find this strategy as useful as I have! It is not a cure for all the challenges we face with heavy workloads, but it is a great tool for your toolbox. How do you get yourself out of feeling overwhelmed?
