Broadly speaking this is a state of shutdown and it doesn’t feel very good when it happens. It’s a state where we feel we cannot act on what is in front of us to take action or make a decision. We just want to flop on the couch and not think about anything.
There is a myriad of reasons that can contribute to overwhelm. Here are those I see the most in my coaching practice.
Take the Overwhelm Quiz.
The classic is overcommitment by taking on too many responsibilities or commitments; for example the person who has a hard time saying ‘no’, or the person who wants to maintain ‘control’ taking on more responsibility because they don’t trust others.
The others are emotional factors such as fear, worry or grief leading to overwhelm. These strong emotions make it difficult to think clearly or make decisions. One example is the ‘fear of getting it wrong.’ This can cause a type of freeze where we don’t start or stop working on a project because the fear of failure is too great, leading to procrastination and indecision.
The Cost
Strained relationships are at the forefront when we are in a state of overwhelm; invitations are not responded to, and decisions are not made. The other cost for the individual in a state of overwhelm is with things stacking up and the added weight of tracking all those tasks and responsibilities. This leads to a sense of being paralyzed or unable to function effectively. It is a very unpleasant state to be in when feeling there is no way out.
The Way Out
Coaching is used with great effect to help clients enhance their self-awareness around perceptions of lack of control, why they are challenged maintaining boundaries (at home or work), understanding their desire to overcommit and why it is scary for them to say ‘no.’
Fear of getting it wrong is an emotional factor that can be effectively coached to reduce its intensity. We explore where the fear came from and use the coaching technique of ‘release’ to create space for a life without that intense fear that slows us and holds us back.
The Relief
The relief is palpable when a coaching client embarks on this rewarding journey that leaves them feeling lighter and less emotionally heavy and drained. They begin to feel like they are leading their lives rather than moving down a strong flowing river without an oar. We do this one call at a time with gradual and incremental gain each call.
Read other articles in the overwhelm series here. Take the Overwhelm Quiz.
Invitation
Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to break free? Let’s work together to build resilience, reduce emotional weight, and restore control. Coaching offers a path to lighter, more fulfilling days.
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