Finding Time When You Are On Overload

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

The way you use your time is the way you live your life.

Finding Time When You Are On Overload

Posted on August 6, 2008, under Time After Time.

Do you ever have one of those days when you can’t see even a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel? One of those days when to do lists and templates and time boundaries are helpful, but you are still absolutely overwhelmed and starting to feel discouraged?

I hit one of those times … not very long ago, come to think of it. Had I been able to tack on another four hours at the end of my day, I still wouldn’t have come close to “getting it all done.”

Take heart … you still have choices!
At such moments, you are at a crossroad. If you give in to feeling overwhelmed, you can easily sabotage your good efforts, succumb to procrastination, or sap your energy and focus with worry. As an alternative to those self-defeating choices, I often suggest that people look at their values, the urgency of tasks, who will be affected if tasks are not completed … and prioritize.

There is yet another way …
Those are excellent ideas and great skills to develop and practice. However, I was very pleased to come upon a third option for myself, most recently when I was feeling overwhelmed. I told myself, “I’ll never get it all done.”

Honest, self-nurturing relief!
Saying those words to myself in a factual (not a self-pitying) way had an immediate, positive effect. I was accepting my limits and giving myself permission to stop trying to do the impossible. Getting my feet back on the ground, relaxing my shoulders, taking a breath, I let go. I return to my tasks unburdened.

How does this resonate in your life?

What things have you found helpful when you are on overload?

What if you could find another hour every week? You can! For more Time Finding resources, you are invited to sign up for my free, twice-weekly Finding Time Tips. Each Tip is paired with a practical action step that you can use IMMEDIATELY … and as a bonus for signing up, you’ll also receive my free, monthly Award-Winning Finding Time E-zine!

Let’s explore time together …

Paula's Signature

There are 2 Responses to “Finding Time When You Are On Overload”

#1 Alison - 06 August, 2:25 PM

I love how this affirmation – and I do experience it as an affirmation when I say it in a factual tone of voice – brings me back to the moment.

It helps me stop rushing. And when I stop rushing, I enjoy what I’m doing more, and I’m in the moment. There’s the quality time I was looking for!

#2 Paula - 07 August, 8:03 AM

I am really pleased that you experience this as an affirmation. It is so empowering to be grounded in the moment and in reality!

If this is your first comment it may be held for moderation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed, or Trackback from your own site.