Monday, June 3, 2013

Overwhelm & How I'm Dealing With It



Lately I have been completely overwhelmed by my never-ending to-do list:  housework, laundry, meal planning and preparation, lawn care, family care, repeat.  In addition, I'm trying to nurture my creative practice of art-making and writing, with the goal of starting a small business.  There are never enough hours in the day and I've been feeling frustrated by the lack of time available to do the work that needs to be done in order for me to reach my goals.

See, here's the problem:  I love to learn.  Thanks to the plethora of courses offered on the Internet, I've been  to indulge in my passion without so much as getting out of my pj's.  In the past year alone, I've learned about Buddhism, mindfulness and meditation.  I've read English novels, American novels, learned how to look at and appreciate fine art and learned the basics of composition theory.  I have also learned to paint and have greatly expanded my repertoire of mixed-media techniques.

Is it any wonder I feel overwhelmed?

What I've discovered is this:  While self-growth and development is a grand and noble pursuit, it can also serve as a distraction, a form of procrastination, and a cover for fear.

"I will start my next painting as soon as I learn this one more technique..."

"I know I can write my blog/article/book just as soon as I take that course offered by a published writer and read those three books..."

Anyone with me here?

So this is what I propose, and feel free to join me:

Instead of enjoying my morning coffee in front of the computer, I will do my morning pages and work on my own stuff for a set amount of time (I'm thinking 2 hours to start).  This is kind of like setting a toddler in front of a candy store and telling him that he can't go in, but I am strong.  I can do this.

And, like a toddler who has dutifully obeyed his parents and been "good", I will then reward myself with computer time, email time, reading time, and fun project time.

Oh, and housework?  That will have its proscribed time too.  It will be done at 3 pm, one hour before hubby gets home from work.  There's nothing more motivating than a deadline!

14 comments:

  1. Beth, I hear you...it's so tricky fitting it all in. This weekend I aimed to work on just one or two projects rather than swirl around in the dozens of things that I wish I could also get done.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing this. It makes me happy to know that I'm not alone!

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  2. I completely understand and identify with everything you have written. This weekend I read "The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield. It really got me thinking about the distractions in my life. I'd be interested to hear how your new routine works for you.

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    1. Oh Sharon, thank you for reminding me about that book. I MUST get it!

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  3. I have recently been struggling with input and interest overwhelm recently. I admire your resolve to carve out that time in the morning. I actually do have a toddler and morning routines are so very hard around here! I'm trying to beat the overwhelm by making a very short "most important things" list each day and then once I finish those things I can do/study/play whatever I want. At least around whatever the toddler needs from me. :)

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    1. Dona, how well I remember those toddler days! Be gentle with yourself. I'm sure you've heard this many times: Childhood (for parents) goes so fast. Savor each moment with your little one. It is such a precious time.

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  4. Best of luck. I'm finding that carving out me time is less about other's demands on me and more about my willingness to prioritize and focus. Perhaps it was always this way?

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    1. I understand you completely Kathryn. I've already broken my own advice. But each day comes with an opportunity to get back on track.:-)

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  5. I like your proposal. Basically, it is what I am doing in the morning. I begin with Yoga Nidra, followed by a cup of tea and morning pages. Last week, I had a car accident and I stayed away from FaceBook for the most part, since that is where I spend the largest portion of my computer time. Like you, I love on-line courses and over the past 2 1/2 months, I've taken 3. I find that when I take too many, I cannot maintain my level of enthusiasm. Good luck with your new plan of action. I have no doubt that it will go extremely well. Blessings, Lydia

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    1. Ah Lydia, I'm so glad you're here! You continue to inspire me!

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  6. Thanks for admitting to being overwhelmed. I'm in the same boat right now and trying to figure out the best way to slow down my summer so I can do my most important work. I'm starting with eating supper all together as a family out on our patio each evening. That may seem random, but being outdoors slows my inner clock, hopefully leading to contentment and focus.

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    1. Kendra, isn't summertime the best? Long days, long nights, just enjoying the lovely weather. It sounds like you're really making the most of it!

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  7. I so can relate with this overhelming! Love to learn too and procastinating is one of the things I'm (unfortunatly) very good in.
    Love that you write your plans visible for everyone, this makes you accountable. Thinking about to do the same!
    Send you lots of sunshine
    Eos

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    1. Thanks Eos. By the way, your blog is beautiful! Very inspiring.

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