It was Sunday night and I was SO frustrated. Progress on Life and Path felt a little slow for me last week going into a holiday, I work full-time, daycare is closed for a few days this upcoming week AND we’re watching a friend’s two large dogs (delightful pups, but just one more thing). We’ve got lots of other things planned for the week, and I’m grateful for that, but none of them involved me working on the thing I REALLY wanted to do, which was sit down and write blog posts…. and maybe get to peeling more wallpaper off of my entryway walls (it never ends). It’s spring time and I just want to be BUILDING things, not be carried along by obligations, balancing full-time work with childcare, and dog sitting.
Have you just started something new? Working on a side hustle for a while? You know these weeks. It feels like if you could just completely clear your calendar you could get so much friggin work done on the thing you wanted to do in the first place.
Well, as I laid on the rug talking it through my frustrations with with my husband I decided on something. I decided I’d write a post tonight and then I’d feel better going into the week. Then my husband said, “why don’t you write about being frustrated and what you did about it”. Well, here we are!
With that, here are 5 effective strategies to manage an overwhelming week at work, at life, etc., while starting something new:
1. Decide on an action.
It’s so easy to get stuck in a loop of complaining about all of the busyness. I have to be really conscious of that and instead make a decision about a small action I can take toward what I want. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you do this – suddenly you have a sense that you’re in control.
It’s amazing how much better you feel when you do this – suddenly you have a sense that you’re in control.
2. Pick a time to take that action. Know that you have choices.
This is crucial. If you don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. You also rob yourself of having it to look forward to. For me, I chose the evening before the busyness began to put this post together. It’s like magic when you switch to looking for a slot of time vs. thinking about how busy you are.
3. Change the self-talk. Talk to a friend or listen to a podcast.
If you’re struggling with the first two, find a friend who pushes you, to get a little kickstart from. Or do what I did and put on an inspiring podcast you’ve been meaning to listen to and level-up your approach to the week.
4. Enjoy the now.
Sometimes we just have to say f&*k it and be present in the chaos. I played games with my kiddo, slowly helped her cut up some carrots, and practiced piano. Look at how much time I found to do other things that made me happy too! I was just squandering time, feeling out of control.
5. Promise yourself more time next week (and schedule it!)
Let’s not ignore the fact that yeah, you’re overbooked this week. It happens from time to time. If it’s your norm, you have to take control of a piece for yourself. If this is a real struggle for you, start with saying to yourself “I know I’m going to be busy, but what would it look like if I could find an hour to myself. How would I feel after I worked on the thing I’ve been waiting to work on?”.
It’s so easy to throw up your hands and give up on your new house project, side hustle, whatever. Being too busy has sunk many projects and ideas of mine. No more. I’m not giving up because I can’t. It’s a part of me and my life now. Navigating these bumps WILL get easier. Make the thing you want to do, the space for YOU a part of YOUR life.
Sending you hugs, tea, and a kick-ass attitude for your week!
Need more? Here’s a quick post on building habits.
