Does this sound like you?
“There’s so much on my plate I’m choking!”
“My to-do list takes up a whole legal pad!”
“My mind is spinning – I don’t know what to pick up next! HELP!”
First step : BREATHE! Next step: Be A.W.E.’d!
After learning about AWE, Wendy just emailed me to say, “My biggest learning so far is that I need to build more time into getting things done. Everything takes longer than expected!”
Alli tells me, “If I learned anything from the AWE challenge, it’s to make realistic goals, and for this goal I applied the 1.5/3 rule to my to-do list.”
Or this?
“Ugh – I work 2 jobs and do a lot volunteer work , with one job being building a new business. I have a hard time prioritizing! I have soooo much to do … I’m overwhelmed and then get frustrated and accomplish a very small amount and its keeps piling on. I feel like I’m always digging out and I’m always digging.”
Sandra just told me what she’s done. “My goal is to reinvigorate systems of organization in my home (financial, personal and kids school info) and work life that are already established but are underutilized. I will reestablish them within 7 days of today, and use these systems for 30 days so they become a habit again.”
Now that’s using A.W.E.!
- A. AWARENESS – Create a clear goal.
- W. WORK – Schedule time to work towards your priorities (and include yourself as a priority with self-care!) into your calendar now, while there is still some white space!
- E. EVALUATE – Set aside a small block of time each week to fine-tune your plan.
Following these three stages of A.W.E. is your antidote to overwhelm.
[Tweet “Following these three stages of A.W.E. is your antidote to overwhelm.”]You’ve worked hard to get to where you are in your business and life – consistent activity will certainly help keep it flourishing.
This February’s A.W.E. Challenge was reported to be a HUGE success! Join us for another chance in May!
Image courtesy of sscreations / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What’s your antidote to overwhelm? Please post below!
I’m working on my AWE this year! I’m always good at underestimating how long jobs will take and am learning to leave some space in my day!
Tamsin
So glad you have awareness around how you spend your time in your day. I recommend using the rule of 1.5 and the rule of 3 when estimating tasks. If you have completed the task before and estimate that it will take one hour, then plan for 1.5 hours. This gives you plenty of buffer time! (If you have NEVER completed the task – then multiply by 3!). Best of luck – and thanks for the comment!
Lisa
Lisa,
I woke up early this morning feeling that sinking sense of OVERWHELM. Thank you for this, it is exactly what I needed to read this morning!
Hi Amy
So glad this post was timely! What strategy do you anticipate using? Please stop back and let us know!
Lisa
I need to work on my AWE!
Sophie
Just spend 5 minutes today building awareness around what you are doing! It’s a great first step! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks! A.W.E. is a nice, neat little system — short and sweet. I find myself going through the process all the time, and I make frequent “reality checks” to monitor how I’m doing. Once a week Evaluation is fine, but not enuf for me.
Robbie
Robbie
I love how you call your “evaluation” phase “reality checks”. I might borrow that at the next presentation I give! Great phrase! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa