Ever feel like your to-do list has a mind of its own—multiplying overnight like a Gremlin that got wet? One moment, it’s 10 manageable tasks, and the next, it’s 100. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
As resilience expert Anne Grady reminds us, the world isn’t slowing down, and simply trying to “power through” isn’t the solution—it’s a surefire way to burnout. Instead, she offers a simple yet powerful reset to help you regain control when overwhelm sets in.
A Three-Step Reset for When You’re Overwhelmed
1. Pause for Two Minutes
Before jumping to the next task, stop. Set a timer, take a deep breath, close your eyes, relax your jaw, and drop your shoulders. Your brain needs space to reset, but most of us never pause long enough to allow it. These two minutes create a mental breather, helping you approach tasks with more clarity.
2. Pick One Tiny Win
Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, ask yourself:
👉 What’s one small thing I can do right now to move the needle?
Maybe it’s sending a quick email, making a decision you’ve been putting off, or brainstorming for five minutes. Small wins fuel momentum, making it easier to tackle the rest.
3. Rinse and Repeat
Overwhelm isn’t a one-time experience—it sneaks back in. When it does, repeat the process. Taking small, intentional resets throughout the day keeps you from running on empty and helps prevent stress from spiraling out of control.
You Don’t Have to Fix Everything Today
The key takeaway? You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Just take the next right step. Resilience isn’t about doing more—it’s about learning to pause, reset, and move forward with intention.
So, what’s your go-to strategy when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear what works for you!