8 Steps to Turning Overwhelm and Procrastination into Inspired Action
Someone who takes on this role and chooses problem solving as a profession, tends to be the one that others have turned to throughout their lives for guidance and support. It appears like a “natural fit” or next step because we love to help and be of service. However, not usually comfortable asking for or receiving help. Many high achievers fall into perfectionism, (having higher standards for ourselves than others). There tends to be an unspoken agreement (believing we are responsible for fixing everyone’s problems) but refuse help and may even view it as weakness.
When there is not a balance of giving and receiving, this work can become very draining and negatively affect several areas of life. As we take on others’ problems, we are being subjected to turmoil on a regular basis. If we do not intentionally allow ourselves to take proper self-care or know how to replenish and receive help, things start to break down.
Holding everything to oneself becomes very overwhelming, because those debilitating thoughts and limiting beliefs can begin to take over and leave us feeling immobilized. This can cause us to lose hope, feel anxious, scattered, depressed and have sleepless nights. We can become defensive (focusing more on conflict than solution), be met with lot of resistance, as well as, lose site of the objective and make decisions, or represent things that are conflict with our integrity and core values. This is when we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment, because when we conflict with our beliefs, it creates underlying guilt and resentment toward ourselves and others.
Can you relate? You may want to ask yourself, in what ways do I refuse help? Has this effected my relationships? How do I allow myself to receive?
This becomes a devastating downward spiral and can lead to self-sabotage in the forms of:
When there is not a balance of giving and receiving, this work can become very draining and negatively affect several areas of life. As we take on others’ problems, we are being subjected to turmoil on a regular basis. If we do not intentionally allow ourselves to take proper self-care or know how to replenish and receive help, things start to break down.
Holding everything to oneself becomes very overwhelming, because those debilitating thoughts and limiting beliefs can begin to take over and leave us feeling immobilized. This can cause us to lose hope, feel anxious, scattered, depressed and have sleepless nights. We can become defensive (focusing more on conflict than solution), be met with lot of resistance, as well as, lose site of the objective and make decisions, or represent things that are conflict with our integrity and core values. This is when we set ourselves up for failure and disappointment, because when we conflict with our beliefs, it creates underlying guilt and resentment toward ourselves and others.
Can you relate? You may want to ask yourself, in what ways do I refuse help? Has this effected my relationships? How do I allow myself to receive?
This becomes a devastating downward spiral and can lead to self-sabotage in the forms of:
- Missing deadlines
- Losing patience and efficacy
- Over spending
- Avoiding contact and follow up with: clients, colleagues, staff, family members and friends
- Self-medicating
- Start by being present and mindful and take daily pauses throughout the day incorporating:
- Deep diaphragmatic breathing: This activates a “feel good” hormone in your brain known as “Oxytocin”. By allowing the oxygen to flood your body it activates healing and gets you into the present moment.
- Grounding: This allows you to stay connected and recharge your energy. Like a tree that is swaying in the wind it does not bend or break because it is flexible but deeply rooted.
- Naming: While driving name things such as “stop sign or blue car.” Or Sitting in chair notice your feet on the ground, the shoes on your feet, the clothes on your body…how do they feel.
- Proper Fuel: Balanced nutrition and mindset training flood the brain with nutrients and “feel good hormones” which balances sugars, hormone levels and cravings, which effect reactions and decision making.
- Daily practices / Inner renewal: time set aside for prayer, meditation, gratitude list, celebrating wins, yoga, workout. In addition, choose something that energizes you such as (singing, light conversation, laughing with a friend, walking dog, spending quality time with kids/mate/friends, gardening, creative activity, sports, dancing)
- Take inventory: make a list of the annoyances in your life and be as specific as possible. Then we will weed the garden. Some things that are energy drains will be removed. Others we may need to reposition by approaching them differently. The rest we will either delegate or prioritize and tackle one at a time.
- Get clear on core values and priorities and put them in order of importance.
- Urgent vs Important: Gain clarity things that need to be done that are in your area of expertise and tasks that are draining to you and can be delegated.