Overwhelm. It used to be just a verb, but it’s become so common that the word has taken on a life of its own. 
Now we use it as a proper noun — like a hitch-hiker in your car. We pull over along the roadside and say, “Hello, Overwhelm. Where are you headed? I’ll give you a lift.”
I haven’t met many people who haven’t allowed this Overwhelm character to bum a ride. The problem is, he makes you go places you never intended to go, and he takes your time and resources. Before you know it, your tank is drained.
But it’s complicated. We all want to be go-givers, right? If you are like me, you want to say YES to every request and give even more than expected. I love helping and giving and sharing my gifts.
In fact, I am not satisfied in life unless I find ways to do good, and give without needing or wanting anything back.
But how to choose which activities to do and which to decline, so that we are not so exhausted and running on fumes?
We are going to pull over and ask Overwhelm to hop out and walk for awhile. Let’s figure out how to fill the empty gas tank and operate in fuel-efficient mode.
When I coach individuals or give training sessions with groups, we do what I call VISUAL HOMEWORK to think in a way we wouldn’t otherwise, and create a plan for action.
So click here and download the complimentary PDF guide for your VISUAL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT.
Give it a try, and then click on the comments and tell me how you did. Wrestle with it and have fun.
Did the visual tool help you identify which activities drain, and which activities provide long-term gain?
Other helpful tips on this topic:
Providing Value Does Not Equal Being Taken Advantage of (Bob Burg Blog)
How to Manage Interruptions (Julie Morgenstern Blog)
Of Big and Little Things (Simply Encouraging Blog)
