Nows not the time to wallow in regret.
Heres how to get out from under your overwhelming workload.
We dug this ditch ourselves, and knowing this can make the stress and guilt even worse.
So the first thing to do is take a step back and get calm.
Ive had panic attacks recently at the mere thought of the mountain of work I had committed to.
It also helps to remind yourself that this period will pass, and youll get through it.
Now lets get to work.
What do you have to do thats truly important and urgent?
Anything thats not in that number 1 urgent and important box can wait, be delegated, or ditched.
Then, pick your top priority project and focus just on that.
What ifeverythingon your to-do list is urgent and important and you still dont have enough time?
Its a minor task, but every bit of help counts.
Ask if the deadline can be moved.
Some deadlines probably cant, if theyre critical projects or other projects depend on the strict timeline.
However, you might be surprised by how flexible other deadlines might be.
(I had a boss once who created artificially short deadlines because he thought the stress was motivating.
Once I found that out, the deadlinesbecame much less stressfulbecause I stopped thinking about them.)
Give your boss as much advance notice as possiblethat youll need an extension, and briefly explain why.
You might also offer to hand in the portion of the project thats already finished.
This applies to freelancers and small business owners too.
Just dont do this too often.
Quit gracefully witha sincere apology, taking responsibility for having to cancel.
This will also leave room for any possible setbacks you might encounter but cant foresee now.
Tell them how much time you’re free to realistically complete the project.
Remember: If its not a hell yes, its a no.
Evenpeople pleasers can learn to say no more often,politely of course.
It could actually save it.
Youre better off saying no than committing to something and then letting others down.
And then for next time, be brave and selective with commitments you might realistically keep.
Illustration by Sam Woolley.
