Am I the only one who feels like January was like 10 years long, but then BAM we hit February and now the month is already over?! I feel like this is how life is. The years growing up feel sooooo slow and then before you know it you’re 30 and looking around like the opening scene of Sex and the City when Carrie gets splashed by the bus.

So all of January I’m looking at my goals thinking “I’m fine, it’s still January, I’ve got time…no rush” Well, now it’s almost March guys so it’s no longer play time, it’s GO time. And I’m feeling a little like this trying to keep up.

WHO FEELS ME?

But this is not a way to live, right? I mean, technically it is, (Many, many people are doing it) but that’s not how we WANT to live. When this happens we have to re-evaluate.

Are You Feeling Overwhelmed?

I get it. You’re serious about your business and reaching your goals. I know you’re doing everything you can to gain a competitive edge, reading all the advice articles, taking courses, pouring over Facebook group posts from like-minded individuals searching for the kernel of info that will take you to that next level. I know this because I do it.

But sometimes all that branding/research/technique THINKING can paralyze you.

You care so much about a particular task or project and you’re such a motivated, intelligent and driven individual that you’re exhausting yourself by racing in circles examining EVERY possible angle of attack.

We also live in a world where we are consistently told if we aren’t “grinding”, “hustling” or dream chasing 24/7, we aren’t working hard enough, or as hard as others, and will never be successful.

But this is simply the story of anxiety we have created for ourselves. We have strengthened the neural pathways in our brains that equate success with complexity and exhaustion. To change that thought pattern requires a serious perspective shift, but we can actually accomplish this fairly easily.

Ask Yourself This 1 Question to Erase Overwhelm

One of my favorite authors/ podcasters/ life hackers / productivity gurus, Tim Ferriss came up with a simple question to erase overwhelm while writing his latest book, “Tribe of Mentors”.

If you aren’t familiar with Tim, he has basically turned his life into an experiment on productivity and efficiency. He shares his knowledge through his podcast “The Tim Ferriss Show” {One of my absolute FAVS} and in his books like “The 4 Hour Workweek” and “Tools of Titans.”

While writing “Tribe of Mentors” and feeling overwhelmed at the enormity of the task up against the looming deadline Tim asked himself a simple question:

“What would this look like if it were easy?”

Often our overdrive, go-getter minds add loads of complexity to a given situation.

This simple question forces us into looking at a perceived “problem” from a stance of simplicity.

Game. Changer.

We all want to go above and beyond, but sometimes the best solution is actually the easiest.

This question immediately forces us to examine how we can do things differently. It shines a light on what is unnecessary and should be eliminated. Magically, it also shines a light on what our CORE WHY is.

It instantly shifts your attitude from what is impossible about any given situation {overwhelm} to what is POSSIBLE {easy} which leads us to immediate action.

I find action to be the number one cure for my anxiety. This question is the catalyst to get me to action when it feels impossible.

Here’s a step by step if even the thought of asking yourself this question feelings overwhelming:

What To Do When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

1. Close your eyes. Shut off the stimulation from the outside world.
2. Take a few deep breaths. Count to 4 slowly while inhaling. Hold the breath for 4 counts, then exhale for 4 counts. Repeat this at least 4 times.
3. Slowly open your eyes and focus on a calm space in front you. A plain wall, the palms of your hands, the sky if you can see it.
4. Ask yourself “What would this look like if it were easy?”
5. Don’t filter your response. Your brain should be clearer now that you’ve paused and done some deep breathing. Let all the thoughts come stream of consciousness, without censoring. Writing this down is beneficial as well.

Since I heard this advice yesterday I have already quoted it to two people! So obviously I knew I had to share it with you guys.

I applied it to writing this blog post and I CANNOT wait to apply it to other areas of my life.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Xx,