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Overwhelm

I am under contract to sell my house. I am also under contract to purchase another. Both are scheduled to close on the same day, three weeks from this writing. I somehow need to figure out a way to get everything my family owns packed and moved to the new house. The movers need to make this all happen on the day of closing. The possibility exists that either house doesn’t close on time or that the financing doesn’t get approved for my buyer. Once I take possession of the house I am purchasing, I need to immediately begin a massive renovation. The plan is to renovate 4 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, build an office, then replace all windows and flooring. A few days ago I visited the house with my family and a contractor. As we looked around we began to open our eyes to the massive project that lies ahead.

There are so many variables at play that there is no way to predict how this will all come together. Years ago this overwhelm would have created tremendous stress in my life. Today I just know that it will all work out and if it for some reason it doesn’t, we’ll still be fine. In the meantime, I will do everything I can for the items I have influence over. The mindset is to focus where you have control.

I have found that when I face an overwhelming situation, it makes sense to chunk it down. The old adage of how do you eat an elephant—one bite at a time, applies here.

Begin by assessing the situation and understanding what you can influence. In my situation I can affect the outcome by bringing on experienced people who are good at what they do: realtor, lawyer, architect, contractor. I then need to get a list from each of what I must do personally, along with a time frame and instructions for each task. I must overlay this list with my existing work load from my “regular life” and coordinate things with my wife. It’s times like this when it’s good to have a partner in life who is both intelligent and street smart. When I’m off in another part of the world she can manage things.

Once I have all my tasks and timeframes down on paper, I brainstorm to ensure I’m not missing anything. Once this exercise is complete, anything not on my list is not in my control. I let go and set my expectations for the best possible outcome.

Each morning I review the task list and calendar and plan my day. The key is to methodically focus where you have control, take the necessary action and let go of everything else.

What is happening in your life right now that gives you the feeling of overwhelm? Apply this methodology to your situation. Let me know how it works for you.

Posted by Joel Brookman in control what you can and tagged Overwhelm.

 

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