Eliminate Overwhelm With Structure

As an entrepreneur we can easily get lost in the overwhelm. Lately, I’ve had several clients feeling the pressure of complete overwhelm. I’ve been there, being an entrepreneur can be lonely and the to-do lists pile up very quickly.

 

What I’ve learned, and continually share with clients, is the fastest way to relieve overwhelm is to add structure.

 

Structure and overwhelm can not co-exist!

 

Here’s the thing, we live in a world where it’s so easy to get overwhelmed. Between running a business, raising a family, having a social life, there is a lot going on and our lives are very busy. Especially for women often their full time job is raising children and managing a household, while building their business is another full time job. It’s so easy to feel the overwhelm and then allow that overwhelm to put your business growth on the back burner.

 

I wanted to share some tips I’ve learned and found very useful in my own life and my client’s lives.

 

1.  Breathe ~ It is amazing what breath can do, it is literally our life force. Just one deep breath can act as a reset. I recommend taking in a deep breath from your belly, hold for 5 seconds, release slowly. Do this 3-5 times.

 

2. Brain dump ~ Walk away and take 10 minutes, or longer, to literally put all the thoughts, actions and to-do’s on paper, on a whiteboard, or on a large post it note, just get it all out of your head. I actually keep a notepad with me at all times. I keep one in my car, one on my desk and one in my purse. This way as an idea or thought hits me I write it down. Or if I remember things I was supposed to do last week, I write it down. It has actually been said that we have 5 seconds before the thought leaves us. So as soon as I think of it, I grab my pen and notebook and write it down.

 

3. Prioritize ~ After you spend some time with the brain dump, make a new list and write ‘urgent’, ‘important’, and ‘to-do’. Now prioritize what is needed and then get it on your calendar, set reminders, email your assistant, and so on. Really prioritize here, keep your urgent list under 10 items, we want this to be manageable and something you can complete within several days.

 

4. Take a break ~ Walk away from it, sometimes getting away is the best way to clear your head. It can be as simple as receiving a massage, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea outside. Don’t take your phone or any technology. Allow your brain and mind to rest, just be still and in the moment. breaks are essential when you are busy, give yourself this time to reset. Self care is huge, especially as an entrepreneur.

 

5. Be flexible ~ Flexibility is key. Yes we want to get the list out of your head, add structure and a plan but know that being flexible will keep you moving and co-creating with your business. If you don’t get everything done in your ‘urgent’ list done at the exact day and hour you planned, it is ok be flexible and adjust when needed. 

 

Structure is key. You can start using these tools and then once you feel calmer and can literally feel a sense of reset make an action plan.

 

When you have more structure in your business you will find that you are able to work smarter and have balance in your life and actually feel ‘in the flow’ with your business.

 

Here’s the thing, you can do this. You. Can. Do. This.

The world needs your creation, your gift, your contribution and overwhelm will never move you forward. Don’t allow it to hold you back. Start using these tools and adding structure, while shifting your perspective, and start one step at a time. One simple step at a time.

 

Slow and steady wins the race, Rome was not built in a day…I could go on and on, but you get the point! Be gentle with yourself and your business, just like you would a child.

 

Listen to what the overwhelm is telling you, take the time to listen to what is needed, reset and add structure.

Create a plan and work toward that every day. One simple, small action item to grow your business each day really adds up. You got this, friend!

 

Now, I would love to hear from YOU. Tell me, do you have any tried and true tips that help you overcome any overwhelm, let me know!