Turning Overwhelm Into Optimism
Written by: Andrea Ryan, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I can’t find that file. I can’t remember what I did with that document. When was the deadline? I need to pick the kids up already. I’ve been so busy today but accomplished nothing!
Sound familiar?
Many of us recognize the overwhelm through feeling of pressure, the inability to focus, it feels uncertain and flooded with obligation, obligation to others but also ourselves. Whilst we may give in to those feelings by working more hours, drinking more, or, to the detriment of ourselves, ‘push through’ better known as the fastest road to burnout. We have to recognize that those feelings are telling us that it’s time to reevaluate and reprioritize.
Here are 3 ways to help you turn overwhelm into optimism at work.
1. Unburden yourself
Decide out of all the things you are dealing with at work right now, what the absolute, most important thing is for you to focus on. Then write down all that needs to be accomplished within that project or campaign or proposal (whatever the most important thing is that you are focusing on) and put them in order of priority. Just the action of writing everything down will give you a sense of gaining some control back.
2. Invest in yourself
This is not what you might think. This is about maintaining your energy.
To continue to take action on your accomplishments, you need to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. Think about how you respond to an email or work colleague when you’re tired, lethargic and frustrated. When we don’t manage our energy, we lack self-control.
Stay hydrated, sleep well, eat healthily and MOVE. When you get out and get some fresh air, it changes your perspective, so when we come back to your desk, you are in a much more positive mindset to jump on your next zoom call.
3. Educate Yourself
To enable you to tackle the things on your newly prioritized list, you need to avoid negative thinking. Did you know it’s 10x more damaging to your thriving when you verbalize negative comments as opposed to just thinking them?
Think about the words you use and how you react to situations (Remember, we always have a choice about how we react to situations). How can you reframe them?
For example, instead of saying ‘This is just no use!” say, “I can find a solution to this. I just haven’t found it yet.’ Instead of saying ‘This project is a nightmare,’ say ‘This project is challenging but imagine what we’ll learn from it.’.
The way you talk is the way you can expect reactions from your colleagues. So if you talk more positively, the more positive the answer and the smoother the completion of your task becomes.
Andrea Ryan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
I'm a transformational life and business coach for women. I support women to enable their journey of self-discovery and drive change through their personal journeys. Professionally I help female entrepreneurs align their mental and emotional journey with business guidance and mentorship. I have had a 15 year executive career, heading up business and marketing strategy, brand management and leadership in the disability employment sector, sport and as an award-winning business development director in a mental health Not for Profit. Spending 3 years on the Australian National Committee for UN Women as a Committee Member and as a consultant to Human Right start-ups, I am constantly seeking board and volunteer roles that offer me the opportunity to utilize my skills to give back and contribute to the wider community. Quoted in Marketing Magazine Australia as the 'Accidental Marketer', I have a flair for the creative, which fuels my passion for supporting women to step into their power, thrive in their careers and become leaders who will instigate change to make this world a better place.
