A common consequence of the busy lives we lead nowadays is that many of us often find ourselves in a state of overwhelm. I know I do! It feels like there there’s always so much to do on my never-ending to-do list and never enough hours to get it all done.

Even though overwhelm appears to be about doing and having lots to do, it’s actually a state of being first. Believe it or not, it is possible to have lots to do and not feel overwhelmed. There are many more states you can be in that will make you more productive. In fact, judging from the effect it has, it seems like overwhelm is about not getting anything done!

Overwhelm makes you feel like it’s motivating you to be efficient but really it’s a state of being that stems from fear. You are being driven by a fear of a negative consequence of some kind, and your focus is solely on the outcome, which takes the joy out of the process. Remember, it’s not just about the destination but the journey.

Overwhelm is also about not being present to the unfolding of your life as it is right now and comes from future-based thoughts which lead you to stress and worry. Although you may feel that focussing on what you have to do makes you do it, the reverse is true. Overwhelm makes you less efficient and productive, and everything ends up being much harder than it needs to be.