Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed

Posted on January 6, 2012 | 0 comments

As we work on choosing the lives we want and making the necessary changes, there will certainly be bumps along the way. At some point, as you work towards these goals, you may hit a plateau. Or you may slide backwards. Or you may become completely overwhelmed at the enormity of what you are trying to do.

All of those are perfectly normal, perfectly OK, and not a sign of weakness or failure.

Here’s what I suggest you do if you run into one of these situations…

Change your focus.

No, I don’t mean to focus on something else. Just shift the depth of your focus in order to get a new perspective.

If you’re getting caught up in the details – pull back and focus on the big picture. Imagine how much better your life will be once you’ve achieved this new goal. Spend some time thinking about how this goal integrates into your overall dreams for your life. How much better will all areas of your life be, once you’ve accomplished this thing you’re working on?

Or, if you’re getting overwhelmed with the enormity of the changes you are making, zoom in and focus on one task – one small change – at a time. Minute by minute. Day by day.

You may find that you shift your depth of focus quite frequently. That’s ok. It doesn’t mean you’re not committed. In fact, shifting your perspective is an excellent way to remain committed without becoming overwhelmed.

Keeping people from feeling overwhelmed is one of the main things I do when I coach people.  I help them to see the forest when all they can see is trees; and I help them to see the trees when there is nothing but forest.

So don’t be discouraged by plateaus, back-slides or feelings of overwhelm.  Shift your focus – change your perspective and keep on choosing the life you want!