Prioritize Over Juggling: Reclaim Control and Avoid Overwhelm
Do you ever feel like you’re constantly juggling tasks? The to-do list keeps growing, and you never seem to catch up. This constant pressure can lead to feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, and even guilt.
I understand this struggle completely. In my work as a coach, I see it all the time. Clients come to me feeling stretched thin, pulled in a million directions. They often feel like they’re failing to meet expectations, both their own and others’.
But what if juggling isn’t the answer? What if there’s a better way to manage your priorities and avoid overwhelm?
In my 20s, my priorities were simpler. Work, rent, food, and fun – that was pretty much it. I felt in control because I wasn’t juggling a lot of responsibilities. Fast forward to today, and things are different. Now I have kids, a family, a dog, a business to run – each with its own demands. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in this situation.
The pause we all experienced during COVID-19 was a blessing in disguise for many. It gave us time to reflect on our priorities and appreciate the simple things. Some people even saw improvements in their health, like fewer migraines or better sleep.
But now that things are back to “normal,” we’re falling back into old patterns. We’re trying to meet everyone’s expectations, both internal and external. We push ourselves to the limit, cramming too much into each day, and often neglecting to say no.
For me, avoiding overwhelm means avoiding juggling too much. I’ve become adept at prioritizing and focusing on the things that matter most to me. Recently, I had two tasks on my plate, but I knew I couldn’t give them both my full attention at the same time. So, I tackled them one at a time, ensuring I could give each my best effort.
Someone recently commented that “we all juggle.” It made it sound like juggling is an inevitable part of life. This made me stop and think. Has juggling become the new normal? A badge of honor we wear, even though it drains us? Are we expected to simply accept this as our reality?
The truth is, just like Angie you have a choice. You can choose to focus on your values, your needs, and your priorities. And if those priorities are different from someone else’s, that’s perfectly okay!
I do what I do because it brings me joy and fulfilment. It’s a conscious choice that allows me the flexibility to prioritize what matters most to me, like spending time with family, learning new things, and working with my clients.
An important part of this journey is feeling empowered to make choices that are right for me, without feeling overwhelmed. I trust myself and my capacity to do my best.
I love my work, but it requires me to wear many hats. The key is that I get to decide which hat to wear based on my current priorities and needs. Right now, my priority is time. Time for self-investment, reflection, and giving my best to my clients. If I’m juggling too much, I can’t do that effectively.
For me, it’s not about juggling. It’s about carefully chosen priorities.
Here are 5 tips to help you avoid overwhelm:
- Give yourself a break. You don’t have to be a martyr!
- Know your values and prioritize accordingly. Don’t let others dictate your priorities.
- Feel empowered to say no and change your mind.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s journey is unique.
- Don’t accept juggling as the norm. Make choices that work for you. It’s never too late to change.
We all have a limited amount of time. Let’s use it wisely by focusing on what truly matters.