Podcast Summary
The root cause of overwhelm is our perception and response to circumstances, not the circumstances themselves.: Understanding that our thoughts and beliefs contribute to feelings of overwhelm allows us to manage them effectively and reduce their frequency and intensity.
While workload, social life, family responsibilities, health goals, and romantic partnerships can contribute to feelings of overwhelm, the root cause is often our perception and response to these circumstances. According to Cara Lowenfeld, a former lawyer and certified master coach, the real source of overwhelm lies in our thoughts and beliefs. By understanding this, we can learn to manage our thoughts and emotions more effectively, reducing the frequency and intensity of feelings of overwhelm. Cara, who hosts both The Lawyer Stress Solution and Unfuck Your Brain podcasts, encourages listeners to check out the latter for more tools to apply to various areas of life. While The Lawyer Stress Solution focuses specifically on lawyers, Unfuck Your Brain offers broader applications of cognitive science-based techniques.
Our thoughts, not external factors, cause feelings of overwhelm: Recognizing and challenging negative thoughts can help manage anxiety and balance competing priorities
The primary cause of feeling overwhelmed in life is not external factors like workload or family responsibilities, but rather our own thoughts and the anxiety they create. It may be surprising to hear that even successful people like Beyonce and President Obama experience the same 24 hours in a day as the rest of us, but the difference lies in their thoughts and mindset. When we believe we don't have enough time or resources, our brains can react with anxiety, making us feel overwhelmed. By recognizing and challenging these thoughts, we can learn to manage our anxiety and better balance the various aspects of our lives.
Recognizing and Challenging Anxious Thoughts: Identify anxious thoughts, replace them with positive alternatives to reduce anxiety and improve productivity.
When we feel overwhelmed, it's essential to identify the thoughts contributing to our anxiety. These thoughts often revolve around a sense of not having enough time or resources. However, when we're in an anxious state, our brains may not be accurately processing information, leading us to believe we don't have enough time to complete tasks. To combat this, it's crucial to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more positive and believable alternatives. For instance, instead of thinking "I don't have enough time," try "I have enough time, I can do this." Practicing this mindset shift can help alleviate anxiety and enable us to tackle our work effectively.
Recognize unreliable anxious thoughts and focus on calming ones: When overwhelmed or anxious, acknowledge that anxious thoughts may not be accurate and focus on calming thoughts to reduce anxiety and improve productivity.
When feeling anxious or overwhelmed due to time constraints, it's essential to recognize that our anxious thoughts may not be reliable. Instead of trying to come up with an opposite thought that directly addresses the initial thought, consider focusing on a calming thought that empowers you. The brain finds it challenging to make a plan and execute it simultaneously, so making a plan first and then following it can help reduce anxiety levels. Additionally, remember that it's normal for the brain to feel overwhelmed when trying to make a plan and write or create at the same time. Therefore, giving yourself permission to focus solely on making a plan can be an effective way to manage anxiety and increase productivity.
Manage overwhelm by identifying root cause and planning ahead: Identify anxiety causes, replace with calming thoughts, plan tasks, and execute for effective overwhelm management. Regular practice reduces stress for high-stress professions like law.
When feeling overwhelmed, it's essential to identify the root cause of the anxiety and replace it with a calming and belief-worthy thought. The brain struggles to plan and execute simultaneously, so creating a plan first and then executing it can help manage overwhelm and prioritize tasks effectively. Remember, practicing these techniques regularly can significantly reduce feelings of overwhelm, especially for those in high-stress professions like law. Additionally, seeking personalized coaching can provide valuable insights and support in implementing these strategies effectively. Consider checking out "The Lawyer Solution" podcast and The Clutch for further resources and guidance.
Transform your life with The Clutch course: Join The Clutch course to manage overwhelm, increase productivity, and improve all areas of life
The Clutch course and community can help individuals manage overwhelm, stress, and endless to-do lists by providing expert guidance, support, and practical principles to implement a system that allows for increased productivity without the added stress. This system can transform not only work life but all areas of life. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by modern times, this course is for you. You can join by visiting unfuckyourbrain.com/forward/theclutch or texting your email address to 347 934-8861 for a link to the mobile site. This opportunity to learn and grow could significantly change your life, and it's worth considering.
