Marcus Aurelius was the emperor of Rome from 161 AD to 180 AD, but he’s better known as one of the most important Stoic philosophers. He wrote, “If you feel overwhelmed, do less.” Meditations 4.24

Doing less isn’t about leisure. Too much of anything is dissatisfying, including relaxation. More time off isn’t the answer when you return to the same catastrophe you left behind.

3 questions to ask when you feel overwhelmed:

#1. What is essential?

1. Is signing papers essential?
2. Are nagging notifications distracting you from something essential?
3. What would it mean to simplify your day?
4. What are you good at? Your talent helps you define essential.

‘Doing less better’ is limiting the number of things you do so you can do other things better.

#2. How can you focus on this play?

Nick Saban, renowned American football coach emphasizes ‘the process’. Part of the process is focusing on the immediate task. Don’t look at the scoreboard. (Here’s a two-minute video of Saban)

One reason you feel overwhelmed is you’re focused on the scoreboard instead of this play. Focus on what is in front of you, the immediate action.

You feel overwhelmed when you focus on many things at once. Do less better.
<blockquote”>Care about what you can do instead of what others think, say, or do.

#3. How can you enjoy what you have?

It’s exhausting to constantly pursue more. Bigger houses, nicer clothes, and longer vacations. The more we get, the more we want.

Greed drains joy.

1. Come back to the present. Perhaps a few deep breaths will help.
2. Practice gratitude.
3. Focus on learning.
4. Appreciate the strengths of the people on your team.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?

How can leaders manage their lives so they ‘do less better’?

Still curious:

Fatigue and self-acceptance

3 Surprising Secrets to Self-Management

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Previously Published on leadershipfreak.blog with Creative Commons License

Feeling Uncertain

Dead people are certain. The rest of us stumble forward. Values, talent, opportunity, and personal interests provide direction. But the path emerges as you take the next step, not before. One road leads to the next.

We’re novices at living.

I honor feelings of uncertainty. I had a conversation with someone the other day about feeling unsure. She wondered if she was using her time, energy, and resources to the best advantage.

Feeling uncertain keeps you alive.

Uncertain:

It’s healthy to ask, “Should I turn left, or right?” Robert Frost captured the feeling in, “The Road Not Taken.”

You have an idea where you want to end up but discover how to get there one step at a time. Even then, you often feel uncertain.

Uncertainty is the companion of everyone who moves forward. The only people who feel certain are standing still.

When you feel uncertain:

#1. Prepare.

I feel uncertain this morning because I’m recording the Audible version of “The Vagrant,” today. It’s a first for me. I’ve been practicing for a couple weeks. Recording myself. Trying new things. Finding my own voice. Preparation helps.

#2. Learn.

1. Seek advice.
2. Connect with mentors.
3. Watch YouTube.

#3. Fail safely.

When possible, test drive new skills on friends, in small venues, or in private.

#4. Seek feedback.

I asked my bride to listen to a recording of me reading. She thought it was wonderful. She shoots straight so that felt good.

My co-author advised me to speak slowly and clearly. When he listened to me, he suggested I speed up.

What do you do when you feel uncertain?

Still curious:

How to be Inexperienced Like a Pro – In a Turbulent World Everyone is a Novice

Two Cures for Novice-Arrogance

Previously Published on leadershipfreak.blog with Creative Commons License

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