How to Stop Overwhelm From Stopping You

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.

Are You in the Trance of Busy-ness?

How many times do you feel you don’t have enough time? How often can you be heard using that over-used phrase “there’s just not enough hours in the day”? You’re probably in the trance of busy-ness? Everyone’s so busy nowadays, but what exactly are we all busy doing?

What I’m about to say may hurt but I’m still going to say it. The truth is most of us are busy doing stuff that’s of no real significance. None if it will matter in 1, 5 or even 10 years time. We fill our days to bursting with tasks and appointments which make us feel important as we run around like headless chickens flapping our arms in the air, going on and on about how busy we are and how little time we have for ourselves. We can become addicted to the drama of it all, in a trance until something of real meaning snaps us out of it.