I’m feeling overwhelmed.  I have A LOT to do.  There just aren’t enough hours in a day.  So, my options are 1.  Cower.  Give in to anxiety and let it rule me.  Or, 2.  Get to work.  My work isn’t going anywhere, no matter how long I put it off.  And it’s only going to create more stress the longer I wait. 

Here’s my game plan for getting stuff done while evading that paralyzing anxiety.

1. Take a rest.
   • You can’t do anything properly, without a good rest.  Everything will still be there tomorrow.
2. Sort or brain dump.
   • If I’m at my desk (working my day job), I’ll sort everything on my desk. Making a mental inventory of my tasks that need accomplished. This is necessary for step 3.
   • If I’m at home (working my content creation), I’ll brain dump.  Typically, I don’t have a lot of papers to guide me on what needs done here.  So, all of my “to-do’s” are trapped in my brain.
3. Create a plan.
   • Make a list of what needs done from Step 2.
     • I only look at this list. Nothing else. I don’t check emails, notification on my phone, nothing.
       
     • If there are a lot of items, you’ll need to have multiple sheets of paper.  Label each paper by date.  Some items that aren’t extremely pressing can be dealt with tomorrow or even next week.  My lists might look like this:
       
     • 2/8/23
       1. Payroll – Bill job 1195 – Update planner – Check emails
     • 2/9/23
       1. Pay taxes – Start billing cycle – Return call to Shelly
4. Go to work.
   • Now that you’ve got your list in front of you, get started!
     • Go item by item.
     • Cross tasks off as you complete them.
       • THIS IS VITAL.  I’m not a psychologist so I can’t tell you for sure why this is necessary.  Maybe it tells your brain, “That item is done, get it out of your mind.”  Maybe it’s a boost of endorphins.  Maybe it’s the feeling of accomplishment.  Whatever the reason, IT WORKS.  So, DO IT!

Remember, your obligations aren’t going away.  The best thing you can do for yourself is to start.  Maybe you only make a little progress, that’s fine.  Some progress is better than no progress.  Give yourself grace.  How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.