Keeping calm in the chaos

If you’re anything like me, the past few weeks have felt relentless. The rush of news, the expectations of a new year, the feverish pace of work, it can all feel like way too much. If you add parenting to the mix, you are probably doing all you can to keep yourself afloat while taking care of little people who are looking to you for stability at all times.

It can feel completely overwhelming.

For incredibly busy executives, keeping the trains running at times like these while taking care of the people around you can feel almost impossible. But there are some ways to reduce the pressure.

First, remember to give yourself as much grace as you can. Perfectionism is not a friend in these moments, and we should put as much space between us and an idyllic image of what should be as possible. Yes, we want to do our best, no, it is not going to be without flaws. Sometimes you may have cereal and sandwiches for dinner. Folding the laundry may have to wait another day or two. It’s fine, nothing is hurt by moving a deadline that was artificial in the first place.

Second, choose a priority. I say this to myself as much as to anyone else who loves to make lists of to-dos: a priority should be singular, not a list of 8 things that have to get done by the end of the day. If you are feeling overwhelmed, choose the one thing that absolutely has to get done and leave the rest. It will still be there tomorrow.

Third, don’t overcommit to other people and events. This is probably the hardest, because the list of places you need to be and people you need to support doesn’t form overnight, but you can decline new requests. It’s perfectly fair to say that you are overcommitted.

Finally, check your inner narrative. What are you saying about yourself and your capacity right now? Are you speaking to yourself with kindness or berating yourself for not meeting your own expectations? Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can, and that you can pick up the things you had to set down later.

We’re all in this together, need some additional support? Reach out to me here and let’s talk.