So, you may or may not be in the boat of ‘start of year overwhelm‘.

I know it’s mid Feb already but by the time work starts back, schools starts back, sport and out of school activities start back it’s really not until mid to end of Feb until the year is in full swing.

And for most of us full swing is JUST SO MUCH!

We are all in various stages of restrictions and lock down, so what my year so far looks like is not what your year so far looks like, and everything in between for everyone else.

Just going back to some level of what we call ‘normal’ can feel like a lot compared to our minimalist year last year where we couldn’t do all the things, so we didn’t do all the things.

So I wanted to share just a couple of things that can help you crawl out from under the intense weight of all you have to get done today AND this week AND this year.

1.

First, acknowledge that you are feeling overwhelmed or have a lot on your plate.

We are often so busy that we don’t realise it until we fall in a heap.

2.

Second, get some clarity over what actually has to be done.

If you don’t have this already, create a Master ToDo list.

This list has every little thing you need to do on it.

It’s out of your head and written somewhere.

(pretty please do not create a pile of random pieces of paper, invest in a notepad and write a list in one place)

3.

Third, each day write a REALISTIC ToDo list of items from your Master list.

Meaning, a list of shit you can actually achieve in 1 day around all the other shit you have on.

I know we all seem to think we are super heroes, but imagine you are a real human and can only do so much in a day. What is that list? (maybe it’s nothing because your day is full of appointments, be realistic)

4.

Fourth, read each thing on that Master list

Ask yourself why it is on that list?

Cross it off if you can’t come up with a really good reason or when you think about it, you realise you don’t REALLY need to do it at all.

I know this is uncomfortable, but push through and cross that thing off your list.

5.

Fifth, now this is the most important…

Are you ready?

This will be even harder than number 4 for many of you.

Ask for help with your ToDo list.

I know, you are saying right now ‘Are you crazy Louise?’

But the most important thing you can do is look after yourself and ask for help.

Who else can do some of those things?

Can you request an extension on something?

Or reduce the scope of work on something?

Do you need help with all this organising yourself business, then ask me!!

Remember you are not alone, there is a whole community of amazing people, including me who can help you.