How to Overcome Overwhelm: Join Your Coach on the Path to Clarity!
A coach is there for you, no agenda, they are willing you to achieve your goals. When we are in a state of overwhelm we often call our coach our co-pilot as they help to guide us to peel back the layers of the onion to navigate around or through overwhelm,
8/22/20243 min read
Understanding the Weight of Expectations
Do you remember the last time you felt like you were drowning in a sea of tasks, responsibilities, and expectations? When the mere thought of getting out of bed felt like climbing a mountain? I do. It's like being stuck in a never-ending cycle of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. It doesn't matter where you are on your career path. As a leader, (we are all leaders), we have our own challenges including personal, being in a leadership team, leading our teams, clients or vendors, and overwhelm and self-doubt can appear.
We don't often talk about the struggle of overwhelm yet I suspect that most of us have had those moments of self-doubt. Do you push through hoping that it will get easier?
But here's the thing: you're not alone. You're just stuck.
So, how do you break free from the cycle of overwhelm? It starts with acknowledging that you can't do it all alone. It's okay to ask for help, to seek guidance, and to prioritise your own well-being. Here are a few strategies.
Get real about your priorities: Make a list of everything that's weighing you down, and then identify the top three things that need your attention. Focus on those first, and then tackle the rest. Remember, you can't do everything at once, so stop trying to be a superhero.
Learn to say no: Set boundaries with loved ones, your team learn to delegate tasks, and stop taking on commitments that drain your energy. It's okay to say no to things that don't serve you. No is a sentence.
Find your tribe: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional, having a support system in place can make all the difference.
But here's the thing: breaking free from overwhelm isn't just about implementing new strategies or habits. It's about understanding the underlying causes, the why. It's about recognizing the patterns and thought patterns that keep you stuck.
The Power of Self-Reflection
One of the most powerful tools in overcoming overwhelm is self-reflection. By taking the time to understand your values, goals, and strengths, you can begin to identify the areas of your life that are causing you the most stress. You can start to ask yourself questions like:
What's truly important to me? What makes me smile? What are my non-negotiables? What are my strengths, and how can I use them to overcome my weaknesses? By asking yourself these questions, you can begin to gain clarity on what's truly important to you. You can start to prioritize your time and energy on the things that truly matter, and let go of the rest.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is another crucial component of overcoming overwhelm. It's not just about taking long baths or getting massages (although, let's be real, those things are amazing too). It's about making a conscious effort to prioritise your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
This might mean getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, or engaging in regular exercise. It might mean taking breaks throughout the day to stretch, meditate, or simply take a few deep breaths. It might even mean setting aside time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy.
My Approach
As your coach, I'll work with you to identify the challenges and how you navigate and develop a personalised plan to overcome them. We'll explore your values, your goals, and your strengths to create a roadmap with strategies that's tailored to your unique needs.
I'll often use the phrase coaching is like you are peeling back the layers of the onion but you have a co-pilot - that has been my experience of coaching.
Conclusion
It takes courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to make changes and as a leader support this in others time to provide that support to yourself. The payoff is worth it – a life that's more balanced, more fulfilling, and more truly yours.
References
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