In a fast paced environment with competing priorities and expectations, I find what works for me is to apply the analogy from Desmond Tutu – “there is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.” I am big on lists and prioritizing tasks. Finding the low hanging fruit and quicky removing it from my list and then identifying what needs to be worked on next by urgency and time required. By documenting what needs to be done and seeing it all clearly laid out, it immediately feels more manageable and puts me in control. By quickly accomplishing easy tasks, I feel more capable, competent and less overwhelmed. When the tasks seem insurmountable and there is no plan of attack, that is when the wheels start spinning and you can become overwhelmed. Having a plan helps me focus and allows me to see the steps I need to take to climb the mountain instead of just the looming mountain itself. Understanding that the plan will most definitely change and priorities will need to be tweaked is also a way to prevent unnecessary anxiety. Also being able to identify the difference between feeling busy and challenged vs. overwhelmed and stressed is important. Use the adrenaline to propel you forward instead of bogging you down.
