Managing the "Overwhelm" at work

Hi everyone, let's get started. Here's the first question for Eileen.

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:02:11 PM
This came to us via email:

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:02:33 PM
For months now, I've felt overwhelmed at work. I have repeatedly asked for help from higher-ups, but found no help.

Now I have lost a client as a result of my frustration with my situation and feel even more angry about my position - I feel stuck.

What is the next step if it is burnout, not just stress, that is affecting my work and home life?

Ali Sifton

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:02:53 PM
Hello Ali. Unmanaged stress overtime can lead to burnout so it is important to pay attention to this....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:04:07 PM
This is not something someone else can take care of for us. We each must take personal responsibility for our wellbeing.....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:04:42 PM
The good news, Ali, is that learning skills and developing new habits can help us manage the stress and become more resilient. The key is to commit and....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:05:21 PM
...develop a 'Personal Wellbeing Plan'. I'll speak more to this in a bit. There are many dimensions to include.

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:05:52 PM
What would a personal wellbeing plan include Eileen?

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:06:32 PM
Much like learning new skills for the job, we must learn new ways to cope in complex, stressful environments....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:07:10 PM
This can include learning: better organizational skills + time management; learning to say 'no' when appropriate; as well as developing new positive habits that focus on keeping a positive mindset and boosting your optimism.

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:08:28 PM
Gillian, a personal wellbeing plan can include: developing skills and habits to boost resiliency --> mindset skills and other. As well....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:10:01 PM
...a personal wellbeing plan should include habits for your physical wellbeing: sleep, nutrition, exercise. These are hugely important for our 'mojo' (emotional fitness) as well as our resiliency and ability to withstand stress.

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:10:56 PM
This is an interesting question from a reader:

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:11:23 PM
Suppose you could make 2k/day doing something you really love, would you work 7days a week :)

by Dany 3/23/2012 4:11:25 PM
I'm big on the emotional fitness side of things. Emotional intelligence and positive psychology practices --> there is a ton we can do to shift mindsets and be happy/optimistic despite the 'chaos'.

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:12:04 PM
Examples: Practice gratitude; focus on what is going well (not just what is not) and more.

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:12:38 PM
Dany - you raise a great question. Work can be uplifting and energizing and not feel like work. Key is finding passion + purpose in your work; using your strengths; honouring your values, etc.....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:14:08 PM
...In fact, many boomers are shunning retirement to continue working because it gives them meaning and they feel more 'alive and vibrant' when they work (in alignement with their values/aspirations).

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:14:45 PM
Even if you love your work, can you burn yourself out by overworking? Do you have any tips on the keys to find your personal balance?

by Gillian Livingston 3/23/2012 4:15:32 PM
Gillian, great question! Yes, high achievers sometimes over-express their need to 'mountain climb'. Even mountain climbers need rest. Learn your tipping point, because....

by Chadnick 3/23/2012 4:16:58 PM

Managing the "Overwhelm" at work

Eileen Chadnick, career coach, gives tips on how to deal with the overload of work and life