What to Do When Overwhelmed at Work or Even in Life
I’ve had days when multiple projects, deadlines and priorities were simply off the chart. Sometimes emotions and thoughts seemed to run wild as everything turned against me on the job - or at least it seemed like it. I have also had times when significant business events did not turn out ‘my way’.
Those moments seemed far worse if there were challenges at home, in other friendships or on other fronts.
Every so often it can feel like a perfect storm is upon you.
It’s not a good feeling, but it’s real. What should you do?
Of course all Christians will tell you to pray and find encouragement in the Word, which I wholeheartedly agree with. They’ll also tell you to open up and talk with or get around others who encourage you, something that’s also a good idea.
Here’s the Problem
Here’s the problem: once things have gotten to that point of feeling overwhelmed, you can’t just take one step back and suddenly everything is all better. And, to make matters worse, you are generally not thinking as clearly as you usually do. This is a bad time to make a big decision.
So make a little one.
Think of it this way. Picture yourself in standing on a rock in a river where the water has suddenly risen and become fierce, a churning and frothing storm - like you were standing in a rived bed and a storm moved in. You need to get out of harm’s way but you are not sure where to go because you are looking at the water rushing, rain pelting, wind swirling - and it’s impressive.
Take your eyes off all of that and look for one step you can take in the right direction - just one. One rock you can step to.
I cannot solve all your problems overnight and neither can you, but one step in the right direction is all you need right now - one!
Time and again as I have counseled people through (and lived through myself) sticky situations that seem at first glance just too much to bear. But each time I have found that when I ask the Lord for one, simple step to take - that sure foothold will appear. Ask Him.
Many times we are looking for the entire storm to end immediately and it doesn’t. One simple step in the right direction, however, is all you need to be on your way out. Take the next one tomorrow. Certain days seem to have more than enough trouble of their own.
Don’t ignore it. Often complex situations can be greatly improved with one right step. Give it a try.
In Christ & To Your Success,
Rick for Ti-MC
