Many of us struggle with constantly having too much to take care of, both at work and private levels, and as a result, battling with a continual state of exhaustion.
I could write a lot about how to avoid this and how important it is to rest and prioritize. However, let’s turn it around: being a person knowing this struggle very well, I will outline the perfect system for a constant struggle of “having too much”:
- Taking on new tasks and responsibilities without ever giving up any
- Be curious about everything and never say no
- Feel responsible for everybody’s happiness (colleagues, spouses, kids)
- Make sure not to accept any help (ever)
- Attend any free webinars that could potentially be interesting
- Remain visible on social media no matter what
- Write to do lists regularly to keep control
- Never postpone anything
- Help others here and there because it is really not a big deal
- Do everything yourself as it’s just less of a hassle than delegating
- Control that everyone around you completes their tasks
- Quickly finish a job instead of going to bed (or reading a book or taking a bath) so “it’s done”
- (and don’t forget to add some guilt for any unfinished task!)
In case you consider yourself being an expert in maintaining high levels of stress and exhaustion, what’s your recipe?
Honestly, the solution might be to take pleasure in being a busy bee and to make sure you recognize your limits. Or to add the challenge to slow down to your to-do list at regular intervals. We are all different. Fact is, our energy levels don’t increase with the number of tasks we take on — and they certainly don’t grow with age.
Further ideas are welcome!
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott