{"id":10745,"date":"2012-06-21T22:32:00","date_gmt":"2012-06-22T06:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=10745"},"modified":"2013-09-19T08:07:54","modified_gmt":"2013-09-19T16:07:54","slug":"how-to-fight-overwhelm-and-get-things-done-four-simple-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/how-to-fight-overwhelm-and-get-things-done-four-simple-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fight Overwhelm and Get Things Done: Four Simple Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you ever had a day (or maybe a whole week) where you felt completely overwhelmed by work and life?<\/p>\n

Perhaps several crisis situations had cropped up: difficulties with clients, problems at your kids\u2019 school, a forgotten deadline or lost document. Whatever the exact causes, you ended up in a situation where you needed all your powers of concentration \u2013 and it was tougher than ever to focus.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed right now, or if you know you might have to face up to overwhelm again in the future, here\u2019s what you can do.<\/p>\n

Step #1: Write a To-Do List<\/h2>\n

Even if you don\u2019t normally use a to-do list, or if you only use it for one part of your life, writing a list is a great place to start when you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

One way to structure an emergency to-do list is like this:<\/p>\n

Today:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tomorrow:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

This week:<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

For each section, write down what absolutely must<\/em> be done, what should<\/em> be done, and what could<\/em> be done in an ideal world.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to feel overwhelmed and totally lacking in control when all your \u201cneed to do\u201d items are in your head. By getting them out onto paper, you can achieve some perspective.<\/p>\n

Step #2: Ditch, Delegate, Delay<\/h2>\n

Take a look at that to-do list with three words in mind: ditch, delegate, delay<\/em>.<\/p>\n

If you can ditch <\/strong>an item, then do. Get rid of it completely. Maybe you don\u2019t need to attend that seminar after all, or you can just buy some cookies at the store instead of baking a batch at home.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t ditch something, try to delegate<\/strong> it. Are you really, truly, the only person who can put together that presentation or proof-read that big report? Look for colleagues \u2013 or, at home, family members \u2013 who can lend a hand.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t ditch or delegate something, see if you can delay<\/strong> it. Perhaps you could postpone a meeting until next week, or even next month. Maybe you could leave starting that new project for a couple of weeks.<\/p>\n

Step #3: Work in Short, Focused Sessions<\/h2>\n

When there\u2019s too much to do, you might think that the best solution is to put in more hours. Perhaps your first reaction to a busy day is to work through your lunch hour, or to avoid taking breaks during the day.<\/p>\n

Chances are, though, that you can\u2019t maintain focus for hours at a time. Most people can concentrate for around 25 – 45 minutes before their attention begins to flag.<\/p>\n

Even though it might seem counter-intuitive, the best way to get more done is to work in short, focused sessions, taking regular breaks<\/strong> (even if those breaks are just a couple of minutes away from your desk). Try setting a timer for 30 minutes, and see how much you can get done in that time: you might surprise yourself.<\/p>\n

Step #4: Take Preventative Measures to Avoid More Overwhelm<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s easy to end up living in a constant state of overwhelm, never quite catching up. If that sounds like your daily reality, it\u2019s time to make some changes.<\/p>\n

Do you have too many goals<\/a>, and would you make faster progress if you put some on hold?<\/p>\n

Can you adjust your work hours to give you enough time to get everything done at home?<\/p>\n

Could you hand over some of your projects (whether work or voluntary) to other people?<\/p>\n

Take some time to think about how you can make more space in your life \u2013 and how you can protect that space from outside demands.<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you like, share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments below: let us know what you\u2019re going to do this week to fight overwhelm.<\/em><\/p>\n

Photo credit: ‘Hike<\/a>‘ by Big Stock<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whatever the exact causes, you ended up in a situation where you needed all your powers of concentration \u2013 and it was tougher than ever to focus.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling overwhelmed right now, or if you know you might have to face up to overwhelm again in the future, here\u2019s what you can do. Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12163,"featured_media":10747,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[17,6],"tags":[1636,259,2025,66,4639,4629],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Fight Overwhelm and Get Things Done: Four Simple Steps - Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It\u2019s easy to end up living in a constant state of overwhelm, never quite catching up. 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