Being Overwhelmed
March 26th, 2006
Being overwhelmed is an illusion based in limiting beliefs. Being overwhelmed implies that there will be a time in your life when you do not have more to do, than time to do it, and that just isn’t true. Another source of overwhelm is the belief that all tasks that are presented to you are urgent and worthwhile; this too is not true.
Being overwhelmed is often a form of perfectionism, in which you develop a false sense of urgency for the tasks that “you need” to accomplish and an over-developed sense of failure for all that you do not complete. When you are overwhelmed, you are placing a greater value on getting “things” done, than on your own well-being, which is best served by taking actions to make your dreams reality. That is why being overwhelmed often occurs when one does not have a clear sense of their life purpose and goals (often referred to as one’s calling).
Overwhelm is particularly insidious, because being overwhelmed can result in a paralysis of the body, mind, and spirit, and if not addressed can also result in illness and depression.
The first step to overcoming anxiety at seeing your to-do list is to realize that all to-do lists are organic, and that no matter how quickly or efficiently you perform, they will to continue to outstrip your available time. Life is ever changing and developing, and so is your to-do list. Recognize that the joy in life comes from embracing your blessings and accomplishments, not in cataloging what you do not have, or did not get done.
There are many techniques to help with the organization of how to get things done from using Quadrant -based prioritization to David Allen’s GTD (Getting Things Done) approach, however, these tools work best after you have addressed the root causes of your sense of overwhelm. Becoming more efficient at getting things done can be an admirable goal, but mastering action without a sense of value or priority is just learning how to stay busy. Busy can be good when done toward a focused goal, but busyness for its own sake is the surest way to not make progress towards your life goals.
Have you ever thought that maybe being overwhelmed is an opportunity to learn about yourself? Instead of seeing it as a personal failure, maybe some part of you is questioning if you value the tasks you are avoiding. To identify what is important to you, you need to identify what parts of your beliefs are based in others expectations, which ones are born of limiting beliefs, and which ones are truly the expression of your creativity, passion, and dreams.
Maybe you are not in the right profession? Maybe you don’t care if your house is perfectly clean? Maybe you have the wrong boyfriend? You may feel overwhelmed because some part of you knows that you should be a writer instead of a proctologist.
The questions you need to ask will be based in your life experience and dreams, so only you can ask or answer them. However, if you are chronically overwhelmed, now is the time to start re-evaluating your life, so that you can start changing that which leaves you dissatisfied. Change does not mean that you should quit your proctology practice tomorrow- I am not advocating the nobility of homelessness. What it means is, if you want to be a writer, start by writing every day (writers write…right? 
). Develop a plan to get out of proctology practice within the next year or two or three (when is less important, than the certainty of knowing it needs to happen); the key is to have an actionable plan. Start making progress towards making your dreams reality today, by taking baby steps towards your goal. Do not allow the sun to set on another day without living some part of your dream (for a writer, even writing a sentence will do).
Any type of work or pursuit can be a source of inspiration and connection, but to be fulfilled within your life, you need to find that which resonates with your dreams. Embrace the life of your dreams, and you’ll rediscover your smile. Happiness is not an event; it is a choice. When you choose to embark upon the path to your dreams, how can you not be happy?
Being overwhelmed feels bad, but like all experiences, it can be an opportunity to take your life to a higher level. All of your experiences in life have two parts: the result of some action, and the choice to learn from the result. The first part happens irrespective of how you think or feel, but the second can only happen if you allow it. If you choose to dwell in lack and failure, being overwhelmed is a place you can waste a lifetime. If instead you identify those areas where you feel overwhelmed, and then reconcile that to your dreams, you will find the places where you need to act as well as the places you should not. Instead of being outcome driven (pass or fail), recognize that the beauty of life is in the process. Each step you make towards your dreams is a victory. Celebrate your successes daily, no matter how small they may seem. Progress is a victory, so treat it as such. Don’t let other peoples urgency become your own. You are the only one who can live your dreams, so do not expect others to understand every step that you take. Your goal is to live your life truthfully, by living in integrity with your goals.
We are beings of infinite potential, but our mortal existence gives us a finite time to express it. Stop worrying about finishing, and just enjoy the trip. With each step you take, you will be one step closer to living your dreams and being overwhelmed will become a distant memory.
Note: If you find that no matter how you try, you cannot get past your sense of overwhelm, you may want to consider enlisting the assistance of a therapist, a life coach, a therapy group or discussion group, or a compassionate friend or family member. Do not accept anything less than finding your way to your dreams, because our dreams elevate and define us.
Entry Filed under: Procrastination/Overwhelm, Essays/Tips/Lifehacks
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