What to Do When You are Feeling Overwhelmed

By Kevin Eikenberry 

 

As a new supervisor, you have a lot going on that can cause you to start feeling overwhelmed. Have you ever noticed that when you feel overwhelmed, things are coming at you very quickly? The sheer volume of work and decisions is what creates the overwhelm. 

When you are in that place, you aren’t very productive, and you are having a bigger negative impact on those around you than you likely realize. That can negatively impact your team.

How can you fight overwhelm?

I can help – even though I can’t take anything off your plate or answer any of those emails.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, in sensory overload, with tasks and issues and questions coming at you from every direction, what you need is perspective.

And perspective comes from a different vantagepoint, from thinking differently. In this case, it comes from thinking long-term, not short term. The overwhelm comes in the short-term view.

You really can’t see the forest when you are among the trees.

You really can get lost on the ground without a map of the terrain.

Feeling overwhelmed and slammed by the work on your plate?

Here’s what to do:

• Step back.
• See the bigger picture.
• And then you should ask yourself the prioritization question: What is the best use of my time now?

Doing these things will give you perspective, but also create certainty and momentum – both of which can help you through your overwhelm.

Want to find out more about how to fight that overwhelming feeling and to prioritize your time? Take a breath, and send us an email or comment below.