A Checklist: 5 Steps to Regain Control When Life Feels Overwhelming

Quick Summary

This checklist offers five steps for high achievers feeling overwhelmed: pause and breathe, prioritise self-care, seek support, reassess commitments, and create a simple plan. It emphasises that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Strategic Achievement Coaching offers personalised guidance to help accomplished individuals regain control and unlock their full potential in both professional and personal spheres.

Table of Contents

1. Pause and Breathe
2. Prioritise Self-Care
3. Reach Out – Seek Strategic Support
4. Reassess Your Commitments
5. Create a Simple Plan

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, even at those who’ve achieved great success. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disenfranchised, or stuck – either at work, at home, or both – you’re not alone. As a high achiever, you may be questioning whether asking for help aligns with your independent nature. But remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Here’s a 5-step checklist to help you regain control and rediscover your path to fulfilment.

1. Pause and Breathe

Pause for a moment and distance yourself from the turmoil. Begin by taking several deliberate, unhurried, deep breaths. This simple practice offers three key benefits:

• It soothes your nervous system
• It increases oxygen flow to your brain, enhancing mental clarity
• It empowers you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively

Make an effort to be aware of your environment. This shift in focus helps alleviate the intensity of your emotions and reduces strain on your body’s various systems. By becoming more present in your surroundings, you can create a sense of calm and perspective amidst challenging situations.

2. Prioritise Self-Care

In the whirlwind of meeting your own expectations and other life demands, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. But self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential. Schedule non-negotiable time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s spending time with those who lift you up, exercising, meditating, doing something you really enjoy, or pursuing a hobby. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

3. Reach Out – Seek Strategic Support

Remember, you don’t need to shoulder every burden alone. Consider these helpful strategies:

• Open up to a trusted confidant who makes you feel safe being vulnerable
• Allow yourself moments of respite or relaxation. These moments are essential, not indulgent, when feeling overwhelmed.
• Delegate one task to someone else. Delegating can alleviate the sense of isolation that often accompanies overwhelming situations.

Seeking assistance doesn’t detract from your previous successes or self-reliance. Rather, it’s a proactive step towards personal development. Think about collaborating with a professional coach who specialises in supporting high-performing individuals and those with exacting self-expectations. Such a partnership can offer fresh insights and customised approaches to help you successfully navigate this challenging phase in your life.

4. Reassess Your Commitments

Write down all your current responsibilities and expectations. Then you can organise them into categories such as:

• Those that cause you stress
• Those you ‘need’ to do — they are not negotiable; only you can do them
• Those you might get help with or ask someone else to do

As well as these commitments, you might also want to document any unhelpful thoughts you might be having that are contributing to your sense of overwhelm.

A key point to note here is that learning to say ‘no’ to non-essential commitments can free up valuable time and energy for what truly matters to you.

5. Create a Simple Plan

When you feel overwhelmed, list no more than three achievable tasks to focus on. Even doing one task enables you to reclaim your sense of self-agency.

One way to do this is to break down your larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach can help you regain a sense of progress and control. Remember to celebrate these small wins – they’re stepping stones to bigger achievements.

At Strategic Achievement Coaching, we specialise in helping accomplished individuals like you reestablish themselves both professionally and personally. Our approach is designed to honour your past successes while guiding you towards new heights of achievement and fulfilment.

Remember, feeling stuck or overwhelmed doesn’t mean this is all there is. It’s often a sign that you’re ready for the next level of growth and success. By following this checklist and considering professional support, you’re taking proactive steps towards reclaiming control and unlocking your full potential.

Ready to transform overwhelm into opportunity? Contact us at Strategic Achievement Coaching to discover how we can support your journey to renewed success and satisfaction in all areas of your life.