Overwhelmed? Hit the Pause Button Now!

The phrase for the week is "Stop, Prioritize, Act.”

When clients or friends share they are feeling overwhelmed, I understand that it could stem from exhaustion, anxiety, worry or a feeling of helplessness. In my line of work as a consultant and executive coach, it is usually a 'things to-do list' that has gotten totally out of control. There are countless reasons for a person to feel overwhelmed.

One solution is to reframe what we tell ourselves. Instead of saying, “I’ll never get all this done in time,” reframe the story to list all the things you know will get done. Negative thoughts are just not helpful in this situation.

Now is a good time to press the pause button and set two or three priorities for today, three for tomorrow and so on. Taking deep breaths really help. If you can’t jump into a yoga class, take a quick walk around the block, put on some relaxation music or just move to another location with something fun to read for 15 minutes. Clear your head.

I always stop, prioritize and act.

Comments

Your Network Can Send You a Life Line!

The phrase for the week is "Invest in Your Network” Thought I'd keep the investment theme going another week. On this day when taxes are due, I'd like to remind you that investments in your network are also due! Too often I speak with young and senior professionals who invest little or no time in building and expanding their network. It is usually during a personal or professional crisis when the alarm sounds and they realize they have no network. They are all alone. When you have built a thriving network, you’ll know. You are privy to information that hasn’t gone public yet or perhaps, never will. You are smarter than your peers because you have a body of knowledge and expertise that you can tap into with a quick phone call or email. You are the go-to person for counsel and information. People want you on the team. How do you build or expand your network? Begin with securing a mentor (see March 11, 2019 blog post). It doesn’t...

Check Yourself, Check Your Values!

The word for the week is "Values” We all strive to work in today’s dynamic times without compromising our values. When the way we want to live your lives is aligned with our actions, we are happy. When they are in conflict, unhappiness sets in and conflict ensues. This conflict destroys your ability to be creative, to innovate and grow personally and professionally. This week complete this awareness exercise to discover the behaviors that tell the world what you feel is important, what guides your life, your values. List your top five values. Next to each value, state your behaviors that are evidence to you and the world that these are your values. For example: My number one value is family. Everyone will know this because I rarely work evenings and weekends so I can spend time with my family. When you have completed the five values and evidence, put this in a safe place. Next, identify five people to help you with this awarene...

Is Sleep Overrated?

The phrase for the week is "Get Enough Sleep” We all have read, heard or felt the benefits of getting a good night’s rest: · Better Health · Better Sex Life · Better Memory · Less Pain · Better Weight Control · Better Mood · Clearer Thinking I’ve been functioning on 4 to 5 hours sleep for years, and I can point to a host of friends and colleagues who have done the same. As I get older, I can see and feel this bad habit must change. The first thing I did was get into regular sleeping habits. I really try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Even if I don’t go to sleep or wake early, I don’...

Your Leadership Coach

Search This Blog