Are you feeling expanding overwhelm too?
Things are moving fast. AI is speeding everything up - more content, more to learn, more to-dos, more responsibilities. Just... more.
It’s a lot. And it’s okay. Before we learn to handle it - we get overwhelmed with it.
You’re not alone. Most people feel this way. And some learn to build better systems to win the day still.
When I catch myself frustrated for not getting something done, I learned to not spiral into shame or self-judgment. I put on my detective hat instead🕵️
I ask,
Why am I pushing this back?
Is this thing even connected to my real priorities - short-term or long-term?
If yes, it has to be on the calendar. If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen.
Then I ask,
Is it clear enough?
For example:
- Hosting a Change Leadership Roundtable on LinkedIn
- Creating a free resource for my newsletter
These are both important. But do I know the steps? Is the next action obvious? Do I have the tools, knowledge, resources to start?
One of my favorite quotes:
“What looks like resistance is often just lack of clarity.” - Switch: how to change things when change is hard
And here’s another one I try to never forget,
“A habit is a repeated behavior triggered by a cue in your environment. - from Designing for Behavior Change
If there’s nothing in my environment that reminds me - no note, no tool, no visual cue, no routine, no calendar - I won’t do it. Not because I’m lazy or forgetful. Because I have a human brain.
Your brain is like an app. If no one taps the icon, it won’t open. No trigger - no action.
To sum it up.
Instead of getting frustrated with yourself for forgetting to get something done. (And then forgetting it again, entering insanity loop) Do 4 things rooted in behavior science:
-
Check the priority.
If it doesn’t matter right now, let it go. Not forever. Just for now. Schedule the follo-up if needed. -
Schedule it.
If it does matter - put it on your calendar. Not just in your head. -
Make it clear.
Break it down. What’s the first step? Is it clear? Do you have all the resources, the knowledge? If not - work on that. -
Create a trigger.
Set up your environment. Add a reminder. Or ask someone to be your nudge.
Overwhelm doesn’t mean your brain is failing. It just means your system needs an upgrade.
PS If you landed on this page and made it all the way to the end - would be great to hear your comment👇
