“I’m so overwhelmed – I just don’t know where to start!” This is one of the top complaints I hear from clients. Their plate is so full it’s overflowing!
Sometimes they are overwhelmed by too many activities, deadlines, and obligations. Sometimes they are overwhelmed as a result of some ADHD challenges. Sometimes they are overwhelmed because they have a big project due. Sometimes they are overwhelmed by a new life circumstance (new baby, caring for an elderly parent).
There are solutions! One of my favorite strategies is to brainstorm a list of supportive people. Creating a strong support structure is one way to help move past overwhelm.
Critical to creating a life that fits is being able to tap into a supportive network for assistance!
- Practical help on a project
- Encouragement to keep going
- Accountability to stay on track
- A sounding board to talk through your feelings
- A guide to create a plan
Who are some of the supportive people in your life?
- Family
- Friends (old, new, current)
- Neighbors
- Local support groups
- People you met at a conference
- Students
- Retired adults
- Assistants
- Co-workers
- Organizers
- Coaches
- Therapists
- Bookkeepers
- Virtual Assistants
- Physicians
How can you utilize the talents of these people?
- Delegate some tasks
- Use as a body double while you complete some tasks
- Share ideas
- Talk through challenges
- Divide the labor on a big project or everyday tasks
Who are some of the supportive people in your life? What are some strategies you use when trying to move past the stage of overwhelm? Please post below!
And I’m here to support you as well! STOP feeling overwhelmed! START feeling relief and fulfillment!
With a little coaching, you can develop a framework and a system that allows you to put first things first -and live a life of purpose, accomplishment, and fun. You can turn your ideas into action!
I think in situations like this its usually because we are trying to do everything our selves , you are right delegating will ease the burden.
Having a supportive group helps so much!
Michelle
I agree! I’m so excited to be able to offer Motivated for Action for motivated adults that just need a little extra support to achieve their goals. I appreciate your comment!
Lisa
Sometimes our distractions that create overwhelm are of our own doing. Social media is playing a huge role in what some are talking about FOMO – Fear Of Mission Out. I humbly raise my hand and declare that I’m still in FOMO as I work to disentangle myself from all the white noise.
:-)
Peggy
One step at a time! I know you can disentangle yourself!!!! I believe in your success!
Lisa
Sometimes my best support is my cat who sits on the arm of my chair and keeps me grounded. Funny how we knows when to show up as I’m getting more and more frustrated.
Joyce – So often animals can feel our “pain”. So glad you have found something to support you! I appreciate the comment!
Lisa
My family is a good supporter, but sometimes I prefer not to share with them some problems because I don’t want to upset the people I love most. Every time I have to face something unpleasant I tell myself that almost every problem brings within itself the solution…
Exactly, Clara. I often say, “this to shall pass”. I’m hopeful you found some ideas in the supportive people list that you can use for help when you would prefer to look outside of your family. Thanks for the comment!
Lisa
I love this idea! I am a part of a WAHM group that I am going to share this with. We started this group to be a support for one another. However, we never outlined exactly HOW we can help each other. This is a great list. Thank you for sharing.
Emily –
I belong to a Mastermind Group that meets every other Friday, and we have clearly defined our roles. What support we need from each other. What skillset we are bringing to the table. This is one of the best moves I’ve made as a home based business owner! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
I need to learn to delegate. There comes a time in someone’s life or in their business when they need to hire some help. I may just be at that point!
Deanna –
I agree!!! My favorite “low cost” resources are students and retired professionals. Both groups tend to have a lot of enthusiasm and willing to work for a lower fee. Thanks for your comment!
lisa
I’d say supportive people, and getting rid of what doesn’t need to get done, or doesn’t need to get done by me, is what’s helped me. A great tip Lisa.
Linda
Thanks for your comment – and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love deleting tasks even more than delegating. It keeps me more focused on my true passion!
Lisa
Thanks :) Deleting is one of my favorites as well
Very timely article, Lisa! I do have supportive people in my life. The key for me is to let go and delegate. Some of the strategies that I use to move past the stage of overwhelm is to write down the tasks that must be done and prioritize them. It helps me to also do the smaller tasks – or those that do not take a great deal of time done first. Then, I check them off and there is a sense of accomplishment.
Robin
Thanks for your comment! I’m a big believer in starting my day with some small wins also! I love crossing off a few tasks to build momentum before I tackle the “big stuff”!
Lisa
I have family and my therapist is a gem, that I go to for support when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Talking and getting things off of your chest is such a relief and works wonders for me.
Hi Julie!
Often I think we can formulate a plan to overcome our challenges when we verbalize the obstacle – and having a plan is one of the most effective ways to move past overwhelm. Thanks for your comment!
Lisa
Hello Lisa! as Julie my family are the ones who support me all the time, no matter what the circumstances are. However, they are times when I need it a friend too. I also delegate chores to my oldest son, he is my helper when I need things to be done fast.
Remy
Bravo for you for finding multiple strategies that work for you! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Hey Lisa, as many in this thread, I get lots of support from my family and a few dear friends.
How awesome of you to mention 2 things we need help with, which I think are the most important: sharing ideas and talking through challenges – I think if you have these covered, you can pretty much tackle anything :)
Delia
I appreciate your comment! Thanks! I’m recently participating in a mastermind group with 3 fabulous entrepreneurs, and I am consistently amazed at how helpful it is to talk things out!
Lisa
[…] Where are the support systems in your life? Where can you turn to for accountability, encouragement, and celebration? (For some ideas, check out my previous post!) […]
My family and friends are supportive and they keep me from going to the deep end.
Great!
[…] truth is, delegating is a perfect solution to reduce your work […]
[…] (For suggestions on supportive people, please visit this previous post!) […]
This post is worth everyone’s attention. Good work.
I appreciate the kudos!
[…] support. Where can you find help? You are not an island. Reach out for […]
I’m so grateful for the many people who support me! In my personal life, there’s of course my family and friends. In my business life, I don’t know what I’d do without my VA colleagues, my coach, and my subcontractors!
Janet –
I always say it takes a village to raise me . . . so many fabulous supportive people in my life! Thanks for the comment!
Lisa
As a young mom, I definitely rely on my friends and family, but just last week I was in a childcare pinch and was able to call on a neighbor. Nice post to remind folks of the variety of people in their social circle to call upon for support!
Thanks, Sarah, for your comment! What are some additional ideas you have that you could add to the list?
Thanks for these ideas on how we can get support. When we realize all the support that is around us and all we need to do is ask for help, that makes our load so much lighter. Thanks for this great list of ideas for support.
Thank you, Ellen for stopping by! What is your favorite resource for support?