Get A Grip On Feeling Overwhelmed

               The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. - Lao Tzu


Where does this feeling come from?

Feeling Overwhelmed comes from our thinking. We start telling ourselves that whatever needs to be done is just too much for us to handle. We convince ourselves that we can't do, so we do nothing. Often it is not the situation that keeps us feeling overwhelmed, but our way of thinking about the situation. Such is the power of the mind.

As I think...
I can't do this. I already have too much to do.
the tasks are much, too much.
I don't know where or how to begin.
I'm not capable.
I'll never get everything done.
why me?

I feel...
paralyzed with anxiety.
stuck.
angry.
ashamed.
guilty.
resentful.

I do...
nothing.

When we resist doing what needs to be done, the end result is usually a buildup of stress and pressure, making it quite difficult for us to change self-defeating thoughts.

The next time you feel overwhelmed, step back and listen to your internal dialogue. Doubting your capabilities can and often does lead to underperforming.

Understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions is key.

What we tell ourselves, brings up certain feelings and it's this connection that impacts what we do next and whether it's helpful or not.

Just know that by changing your thoughts, your feelings change. And by changing your behavior, your thoughts and feelings also change.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed, think again.

Sometimes, however, feeling overwhelmed, gives us an out from having to do things we really don't want to do. In other words, it becomes an excuse to avoid any change that we perceive as threatening. Watch out, that the phrase, "I'm feeling overwhelmed," does not become your go to statement as a way for you to do nothing.

You may also want to consider the possibility that feeling overwhelmed is a mental trap to stop you from making progress. It sometimes serves the function of holding us back in life.

So, what is the remedy? It's a plain and simple one.

To do. Take one step at a time. One task at a time. Do this again and again. Soon enough, you will see that you actually can do. You will gain confidence in your ability to effect change and move forward.

Can you accept this simple solution? Here's the problem: many of us struggle in accepting simple remedies. Our mind tells us, "it's so simple, it can't be true." Some of us want to believe it's more complicated than that. But, it really isn't.

Our thinking may tell us we have no choices, but this is a lie. The truth is that a simple do can change our perception about being stuck and feeling trapped. Let us not forget, we do have choices, which is a life changing thing to have.

We decide how to live our lives. We can change. We can do.

It can be now.

Thank you for reading!