Mindset Moments
We’ve all been there...staring at a to-do list so long it could be mistaken for a novel, with emails, messages and half-finished tasks all clamouring for attention.
In those moments, the brain goes into survival mode: do nothing or do everything at once...neither of which actually works or turns out well.
Overwhelm isn’t just about having “too much to do”; it’s about not knowing where to start or how to make it manageable.
Here’s a few tips on how to reclaim control:
Tips for reclaiming control:
Dump it all out:
When your brain is overloaded, it holds on to everything like a hoarder. Get it out of your head and onto paper (or a note-taking app). This “brain dump” gives you the mental space to see the whole picture and stop cycling the same worries on repeat.
Ruthlessly prioritise: Once everything’s in front of you, ask: What truly matters today? Pick three priorities that, if done, would make the biggest difference. Let the rest wait. Overwhelm shrinks when you stop treating everything as equally urgent.
Work in small, focused bursts:
The thought of doing everything at once is paralysing. Instead, work in short, focused intervals (like 25 minutes) followed by quick breaks. This “chunking” method lowers resistance, builds momentum and makes even big tasks less intimidating.
The truth is, overwhelm often comes from the belief that you should be able to do it all, right now, perfectly.
But life doesn’t work like that and neither does your mind. The more you allow yourself to focus on less, the more you actually accomplish.
Over time, you’ll notice that your energy isn’t just freed up for tasks; it’s freed up for thinking, problem-solving and even joy. That’s when you’ll realise the power was never in doing it all, it was in doing what matters most.
“You can do anything, but not everything.” – David Allen
If you’re ready to turn overwhelm into clarity and action, why not book a FREE intro coaching call. We can explore how coaching can give you the structure, space and tools to move forward with focus.
Hi I'm Zoë Schofield
Your dedicated Career, Life & Personal Development Coach.
Clarity + Courage for Crossroad Moments
I help people navigate career crossroads, life transitions and everything in between... through curiosity, clarity, confidence and perhaps a little humour too along the way!
I've been where you are; successful on paper but unsure what's next, perhaps pulled in too many directions and craving something more aligned. My coaching is practical, human and gently challenging. No pressure to have it all figured out, just real support to help you reconnect with what matters and take action from there.
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