Overcoming Overwhelm: Reclaim Control and Get Back on Track

Mar 12, 2025

Entrepreneurship is a wild ride. One moment, you’re in full control—organized, disciplined, and executing with precision. The next? Chaos. Fires to put out. A to-do list that seems to grow faster than you can tackle it.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Every business owner faces moments of overwhelm. The key is not to avoid these moments but to recognize them early and have a game plan for getting back on track.

Here’s how.

1. Awareness: Recognizing the Shift

Overwhelm doesn’t just happen—it creeps in. One day, you’re on top of things; the next, you’re buried. The first step in regaining control is realizing that you’re not just busy—you’re reactively busy. When you catch yourself operating in constant reaction mode, it’s time to pause and reassess.

2. Accept, Don’t Criticize

Overwhelm is a signal, not a failure. Instead of beating yourself up for feeling buried, accept it as a part of the process. Give yourself grace. Acknowledge where you are, and shift your focus toward finding a way forward rather than dwelling on what went wrong.

3. Triage Your Tasks

Think of this as an emergency room for your to-do list. What’s urgent? What’s important but can wait? Not everything is a five-alarm fire. Prioritize the tasks that need immediate attention and let the rest fall into place.

4. Delegate and Delay

You don’t have to do it all. Successful leaders know when to delegate and when to delay. Imagine yourself as a conductor leading an orchestra—some instruments take center stage while others wait for their moment. Hand off tasks where you can, and don’t be afraid to push less critical projects down the line.

5. Seek Support

Overwhelm thrives in isolation. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a trusted colleague, talking things through with someone can provide clarity and accountability. Sometimes, simply saying your challenges out loud helps untangle them.


Bonus Strategies to Break the Cycle

Start Your Day Mindfully
A calm mind makes better decisions. Even 10 minutes of meditation or quiet reflection can set the right tone for the day. My routine? Meditation followed by a three-minute cold plunge—it’s a game-changer.

The Power of ‘No’
You don’t have to do everything. Saying no to non-essential tasks creates space for what truly matters. What can you eliminate or postpone today?

Move Your Body
Never underestimate the power of a quick workout or a brisk walk. Physical movement boosts energy, clears the mind, and improves decision-making.

Use Tech Tools to Stay Organized
Leverage technology to keep your schedule in check. Task management apps, calendar blocking, and automated reminders help prevent small tasks from piling up. I swear by blocking time in my Outlook Calendar—even just 30 minutes—to focus and get s#!t done.


Final Thought: Overwhelm is Temporary

The waves of busyness will come and go. It’s all part of the game. The key is knowing how to ride them without getting knocked down. You’re not just working in your business—you’re learning, growing, and evolving through it. Stay adaptable, trust the process, and remember: you’ve got this.

 

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Warm regards,
Chris Atwell
Sales & Mindset Coach