10dayremedyforoverwhelm

Resource #1: The LionHeart 10 Day Remedy for Overwhelm

Forty-five minutes today to get started (steps 1-7), and 20 minutes per day for the next 10 work days (steps 8-9) to complete your initial experiment.

Write down a specific goal that transforms the relationship between time and work that is meaningful to you. (Examples: "I will no longer work on weekends; or "Within 30 days I will only work between 7 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday; "Within 4 months I will no longer spend time doing the administrative aspects of this job because I'll have hired the help I need"; "I will cut my time in meetings by 50% within the next 30 days").
Write down your stress level over the past few months on a scale of 1 to 10. (1 indicates that you have all of the time and energy you need to give yourself fully to all aspects of your life; 10 indicates that your health and/or family problems are painfully letting you know your life is being seriously compromised.)
Write down the physical manifestations and family experiences that "informed" your self assessment (Examples: headaches, sleeplessness, tight shoulders, back pain, regular fights with your spouse, using weekends to catch up on sleep instead of spending time with your kids).
Write down your predominant emotions and thought patterns that accompany these physical manifestations and family experiences. (Example: "I'm angry because I'm literally working myself sick to keep up with the lifestyle we've created together and instead of feeling supported by my spouse, I get criticized for working too much. I'm only doing this for the family."). If you are especially courageous you can review your answers in steps 2,3, and 4 with your spouse or closest friend for a reality check.
In the next 10 minutes write down all of the "to do items" that are bothering you or that you never seem to be getting to.
Look at that list "through your heart" and trust yourself to find the wisdom you need to renegotiate with yourself. Place a circle to the left of 3 items that really call to you as items that feel best to focus on over the next few days. Cross off the items you've been carrying around without the genuine commitment to complete. Place a name next to any item you need to discuss with someone - to ask for assistance or let them know you've taken it off your list.
Reflect on the choices you've made by looking at your list through your heart and feel your stress level in this moment. Write down the number now from 1 to 10. If it is different from the earlier number, what physical sensations or emotions are relevant to your latest assessment.
Each morning for the next 10 work days, spend 15 minutes in quiet reflection before you begin your day. During this time reread your initial goal (item 1) and reflect on this question, "What decisions can I make and what actions can I take today to achieve my goal?" Rework your list as you did in step 6 and honestly focus on what really matters to you that day. If you decide to renegotiate something with another person, you may want to consult The Difficult Conversation tool in this section.
At the end of each day spend 5 minutes reviewing your stress level for the day. Write down the number on your 1 to 10 scale, as well as the reasons you made that assessment (physical sensations, emotions, energy level, feedback, family experiences etc.). This step will help you learn as you go and validate the results of your experiment.
At the end of 10 days review your overall progress and decide if you want to extend your experiment for another 10 days or adopt your morning reflection time as a non-negotiable part of your day. Be willing to change your goal, adjust this process to fit your own style and do whatever it takes to reclaim your life until you love your work again.

Go to Resource #2