How to Get rid of the ?Overwhelm? Monster

If you wear many hats, manage a family and/or a business, it is easy to feel overwhelmed on a regular basis. Too much to do, not enough time, money, or help to do it.

Do you find yourself procrastinating, proceeding with resistance or remaining paralyzed then dropping the project altogether? The idea of writing an ezine overwhelmed me for 6 months. It wasn't until I applied a spiritual approach to dealing with this feeling that my resistance dissolved. In it's place I experienced excitement that propelled me forward. It is important to dig inside of yourself and identify the key fear behind that MONSTER feeling.

Christmas is burdened with too many expectations Christmas and big family holidays overwhelm people easily. We hold on to old, outdated expectations of what "should" happen at this time of the year. Take a little "self" time for your wisdom to reveal key insights for handling your resistance.

Here are the steps:

? Ask yourself: Am I tired, afraid or both? Taking care of your physical needs and giving time to your spiritual practices are often neglected when

you give in to what your fear demands.

For example, if you are afraid that someone won't be pleased with your efforts, you tend to work harder and harder, wearing yourself out and not addressing the bottomline fear around the relationship. This happens if your fear is around finances as well.

? What is your fear about? Where does it come from? We all have negative messages in our head about not being capable, not being smart enough, not being good enough. (Try asking these questions in a journal then writing out the answers. Really explore.)

I discovered my fear around procrastination regarding this ezine came from growing up in a time when the strong cultural message for girls was to be quiet and look pretty. My parents unconsciously communicated to me that I had nothing of value to say. (Of course, my mother would never say that now.)

? Choose an affirmation that reminds you of your connection to a Divine Source and the wonderful unique abilities that are part of you. Open yourself up and breathe in this affirmation.

For example: "Divine wisdom flows through me guiding my words and decisions." OR "I am a valuable Child of God?through me good works are accomplished." "I deserve to feel good during the holidays regardless of other's words and reactions."

? List the parts and pieces or the multiple problems that overwhelm you on paper. Once they are contained on a piece of paper, they are manageable. Then fold the paper, pray for wisdom and take a walk?grounding yourself in mindfulness?focusing on the nature around you. Notice the inspired ideas and solutions and that begin to float into your mind, effortlessly.

? Refuse to compare yourself or your achievements with

ANYONE else. That means your mother, your best friend, the actress or model on the magazine cover, or the president of your professional association. You are uniquely you and so is your life sit- utation with all of the decisions, relationships and resources available to it.

Affirmation: There are plenty of opportunities for everyone.

? Simplify. In what area of life can you simplify, ignore, or designate for later? Are you trying to live up to your perception of what your mother/father wanted or achieved? Can you let go of that perception and create a new one for yourself?

? Shift from "me" to "we." You do not have to do it all by yourself. Give away jobs. Delegate. Outsource. Get counseling. Hire a consultant. Let go of the work you don't enjoy. (This is key. It took me 25 years to realize that I didn't have to do it all by myself! Is this something that we women, as super moms, take on?)

? Start with baby steps.

? Celebrate often. Acknowledge tiny successes and accomplishments toward the bigger goal. Try listing them in a journal every night. They add up, believe me.

Remember this wise quote:

"It doesn't matter how fast you go. What matters is the direction in which you are headed." (First Things First, Stephen Covey)

Copyright 2005 Ana Tampanna

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ana Tampanna, "The Alligator Queen" is author of "The Womanly Art of Alligator Wrestling: Inspirational Stories for Outrageous Women Who Survive by their Wisdom and Wit." To learn about her speaking and coaching services and to sign up for her FREE ezine with power communication tools, life management tips, and special events, visit her website at http://www.alligatorqueen.com

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end), please send a copy of your reprint to ana@alligatorqueen.com

---

Qualia and Quanta

Ah, those New Year's resolutions.I suppose that the passage of... Read More

Ten Sure-Fire Rules To Put Old On Hold By At Least 25 Years

Would you like to feel and function like age 40... Read More

The Art of Wastebasketry

Are your filing cabinets stuffed so full that it's difficult... Read More

Let It Fly Over Your Head

Sarah Watson is a young woman who contracted HIV eleven... Read More

Storytelling - The Great Motivator of People

In a data-driven world, facts and figures are the order... Read More

Motivation: Tearing Down Your Own Limitations

Q.: I've always been sort of cynical about all this... Read More

Motivation - The Power of Drive

My experience tells me there are three stages people go... Read More

Listening Skills

Listen to win SalesVery few people are good listeners. In... Read More

Day Dream Believer

I am sure you, just like the rest of us,... Read More

Motivation By An Audience

Sooner or later, if you keep working hard in a... Read More

What Once Was - Ain?t No More

Rather than beat around the bush and try to lead... Read More

Tony Robbins - 10 Lessons I Learned From Anthony Robbins

Tony Robbins has been an inspiration for millions. Love him... Read More

Lazy? Or Right on Schedule

Q. I've been working on a big project for a... Read More

Making the Invisible Visible: The WOW Behind the HOW!

"We must be the change we wish to see in... Read More

Its Never Too Late To Start

Many people never start anything because they think the bus... Read More

Habit Change--Six Steps to Success

As every New Year approaches, many of us are doing... Read More

Three Fs and a Challenge

It's no secret that life is a tricky animal to... Read More

Wisdom Comes to the Inquisitive Mind

Throughout my life I have observed many things and I... Read More

Violating Boundaries: Assert Yourself and Take Charge

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a... Read More

All Talk And No Action; So Let It Be Written; So Let It Be Done!

It is so important to know how to motivate ourselves... Read More

If Not Now, When?

How many times have you made excuses for putting off... Read More

These Are The Good Ole Days

I am sitting here at a public access wireless location... Read More

A Surfing Lesson

I've never surfed in my life. Sometimes people tell me... Read More

10 Ways to Reclaim Your Self-Esteem

The way you feel about yourself impacts how and why... Read More

Hello! It Is Opportunity Calling!

If I knock at your door hold your hand take... Read More

Ahead of the Curve to be on Top

I once heard a statement that no matter how good... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? the Value of Challenge

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Maintaining Your Motivation

I recently spoke to a group of sales professionals at... Read More

The First Step for Getting Better Results

How dramatically we can change our results is largely a... Read More

Is Work Still Necessary?

I have a confession to make - several confessions in... Read More

Ignite The Fire In Your Belly ? How To Move From Being A Procrastinator To An Activator!

Are you sick and tired of not getting ahead and... Read More

When the Door of Opportunity Opens

Anybody can achieve anything ? do you believe that? I... Read More

Moving Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Many professionals have attained a high level of competence in... Read More