Feeling Overwhelmed? Here's What to Do

Hey there!

I’ve got a challenge for you today. Before you read on, think about a decision you’ve been avoiding. It could be about a project, a job opportunity, or even a personal goal.

The first thing that came to mind, write it down.

Got it? Great!

Now, decide what you’re going to do about it. Continue writing down your decision, why you made it, and what your next step will be.

STOP! - don’t continue reading until you’ve answered those three questions.

Did you notice any discomfort you just felt? Maybe a little unease? Perhaps a feeling of overwhelm? That feeling can really throw us off and lead to procrastination and inaction. It’s tough, but it’s also a big part of why we put things off.

Why We Avoid Tough Decisions?

When we face a big decision, that unease is right there. For some of us, it gets so uncomfortable that we organize our lives just to steer clear of these feelings.

Here some relatable examples:

• If you’re scared of making the wrong call, you might avoid roles where you have to make big decisions. Hello, CEO’s, Managers, and all kinds of leadership out there.

• If you dislike conflict, you might stay away from situations where you have to stand firm. Same thing for company leadership, parents and anyone else that deals with people daily.

• If you're nervous about public speaking, you might avoid roles that require presenting or leading meetings. Critical for those in leadership or roles dependent on effective communication.

• If you dread receiving criticism, you might shy away from creative roles or any job that involves frequent peer reviews. Especially vital for careers in design, writing, or arts where feedback drives improvement.

• If the fear of failure scares you, you might resist taking risks or pursuing ambitious projects. This avoidance can be a major hindrance in entrepreneurial or high-stakes business roles.

Steps to Handle Discomfort

Here’s a simple approach to help you get better at this:

1. Notice When You Hesitate: Pay attention to when you start feeling that discomfort.

2. Pause and Breathe: Stop for a moment. Take a few deep breaths to settle the nervousness, acknowledge it and validate your feelings.

3. Try Again: If it feels too overwhelming, it’s okay to step away for a bit. When you’re ready, come back and try to face it again. Do this a couple of times if you need to.

This isn’t about forcing yourself to be uncomfortable. It’s about gradually getting used to these feelings so they don’t stop you anymore.

Improving Bit by Bit

If you practice this regularly, even just a few times a day, you’ll find it gets easier. Start by simply acknowledging the discomfort for a few seconds, then work your way up as you feel more capable.

The more you practice, the better you’ll get at handling these moments. And the better you get at handling them, the less daunting they’ll seem. Soon, making those tough decisions or starting big projects won’t feel so overwhelming. Remember,

What decision are you going to tackle today?

Drop me a line—I’d love to hear what you’re working on and support you along the way.

Keep Growing,

Your Coach and Friend,

Carlos