Have you ever felt paralyzed at work? You glance at the clock, then at your overwhelming to-do list, and feel your stomach knot in anxiety, thinking, “There’s too much to do and not enough time!” This sensation of being frozen is a genuine physiological response, akin to facing an immediate threat. Yet, there’s no external adversary—only the weight of responsibility on your shoulders.
The first step?
You need to thaw out! Your brain isn’t at its best in a frozen state, and ignoring this feeling can quickly lead to avoidance. You might:
a. Head to the lunchroom or engage in random conversations, or
b. Jump between tasks, seeking quick wins but ultimately leaving projects incomplete.
Here’s a method that works for me—STOP. Push away from your desk, take a brief walk, or get a glass of water. Breathe deeply, paying attention to each inhale and exhale. Feel your shoulders relax and your tension ease.
Once grounded, it’s time to prioritize. Accept that there will always be more tasks than time available. Reflect on this question: “By the end of the day, what is the one accomplishment that will leave me feeling fulfilled?” Choose that ONE THING and temporarily set other tasks aside.
Begin this task with focus and determination. You may need to close your door, use earplugs, or turn off notifications—whatever it takes to maintain your flow.
If time, energy, and resources remain after completing the ONE THING, then venture onto the next task confidently.
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