If I've heard it once, I've heard it 1000 times: How do you get so much done?
Maybe I wear my to-do list as a badge of honor; I do get a lot of satisfaction from crossing things off my list but I'm also very focused on what I want. And as my mom would say, "You've always been stubborn." I take that as a compliment.
Certainly, part of how I get so much done is having help from my parents. When my kids were little and I had to be in two places at one time, I knew I could always call one of them to pick up one of the kids from school, practice, or a friend's house.
But it's more than that.
Being a part-time teacher, a swim coach, and a full-time mom, I know the struggle of juggling multiple responsibilities and striving for excellence in everything I do. It's easy to get caught up in the overwhelming number of responsibilities, to overthink every decision and move you make, and to doubt your abilities. But I've learned something as a mom, an ambitious woman living in the hustle and perfectionism culture of America, and as a life coach:
Overwhelm is optional and solvable.
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience for women, but it's important to remember that it's not inevitable. Often, ambitious women are managing societal expectations along with personal expectations about what they should be doing at work and at home, about what they should or shouldn't say, wear, or do. They wind up overwhelmed and stressed from trying to be everything for everyone else. This doesn't have to happen! With the right tools and strategies, you can break free from the cycle of constant busyness and stress and take back control of your life.
Some common causes of overwhelm you might recognize in your life include:
Lack of boundaries: Saying yes to everything can lead to a feeling of being overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted.
People-pleasing: Constantly trying to please others can leave you feeling drained and resentful.
A buildup of stress: Unresolved stress can accumulate over time, leading to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.
Unprocessed emotions: Ignoring or suppressing your emotions can contribute to feelings of overwhelm, increased anxiety, and burnout.
Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations and constant self-criticism.
Overcommitment: Taking on too many responsibilities can make it difficult to manage your time and energy - you're too busy to enjoy life.
By finding the root causes of your overwhelm, you can take steps to address them so you have more time to enjoy your life, feel more confident, and experience less stress and anxiety. Working with a life coach can give you the support and guidance you need to break free from the cycle of overwhelm and achieve your goals.
How Life Coaches Can Help You Overcome Overwhelm and Manage Stress
Working with a life coach can help you find the thoughts and habits you have that keep you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. By working closely with you, they can provide tailored strategies and support to help you:
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Cultivate Awareness: Mindfulness and meditation help you stay present in the moment, becoming more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This allows you to identify and challenge negative self-talk, and choose new responses when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed.
Reduce Stress: Regular meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, which can significantly improve your overall well-being.
Improve Focus: By training your mind to focus on the present moment, you'll be better able to concentrate on your tasks and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Set Realistic Goals
Break Down Tasks: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, coaches can help you break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them feel less overwhelming and helps you stay motivated.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, helps you stay positive and motivated.
Avoid Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can lead to unnecessary stress and overwhelm. Coaches help you learn to remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and that progress is more important than perfection.
Nourish Your Body: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are essential in lowering stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.
Take Breaks: It's important to schedule breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. Even a short walk or a few minutes of mindful breathing can make a big difference.
Find Activities You Enjoy: Engaging in activities that you enjoy can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Whether it's reading, spending time in nature, or being creative, make sure to schedule time for things that bring you joy.
Learn to Say No
Identify Your Priorities: Determine what truly matters to you and focus on those things. It's okay to say no to things that don't light you up or if they will add unnecessary stress to your life.
Letting Go of Guilt: Don't feel guilty about saying no. It's a sign of self-respect and offers someone else the opportunity to say yes.
Ask For Help and Delegate: When possible, delegate tasks to others to lighten your workload and ask for help when overwhelmed or frustrated.
Identify Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to your thoughts and identify any negative beliefs or limiting thoughts that might contribute to your feelings of overwhelm.
Challenge Those Beliefs: Question the truth of your beliefs and replace them with truthful positive thoughts.
Seek Support: Talking to a friend, family member, coach, or therapist can help you identify and challenge limiting beliefs.
If you're feeling overwhelmed and you're ready to make a change, consider working with a life coach. I can help you develop the tools and strategies you need to stop overthinking, manage stress and anxiety, and grow your confidence.
Schedule a free consultation today to talk with me about how coaching will benefit you to help you manage overwhelm, stress, and anxiety and to learn more about what it's like to work with me.
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