The Overwhelm Trap: Why You're Not Broken (Even If You Feel Buried)
- Kevin Anderson
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Ever feel like you’re drowning in things to do, but somehow still falling behind? Like no matter how much you check off the list, there’s always more—more emails, more errands, more expectations?
You’re not crazy. And you’re definitely not alone.
In our latest podcast episode, we cracked open something most of us are quietly carrying: the constant feeling of being behind. The mental clutter. The creeping weight of "never enough time." And more importantly—what to actually do about it.
Why It Feels Like Too Much (Because It Is)
Here’s the truth: life does get more complex as we get older. There’s no sugarcoating it. Between work, relationships, obligations, and that random task you forgot about until 3am (hello, vehicle registration)—it piles up. Fast.
And while we might fantasize about finally “getting it all under control,” most of us already know: that perfect moment doesn’t exist. Even if you catch up for a second, something else always rolls in. The goal isn’t to conquer the chaos—it’s to learn how to move through it with more clarity, intention, and grace.
The Cost of Being Good at What You Do
One part of our conversation hit especially hard: when you’re good at your job, your reward is usually... more work.
More tasks. More people relying on you. More plates spinning. And without clear boundaries, that competence can quietly lead to burnout.
So how do you know when it’s too much? Sometimes the signs are subtle. Other times, they scream: constant fatigue, irritability, short fuse with the people you love. If your body, mind, or relationships are showing signs of strain—it’s time to check in.
A Practical Way to Deal: Zip It, Flip It, Release It
We broke down a simple framework on the episode—nothing fancy, just a real-world approach to regaining your footing:
Recognize it. You can’t shift what you won’t name. Start with awareness.
Accept it. Drop the guilt. You’re human, not a machine.
Zip it. Put the stressor down, even briefly. Close the mental tab.
Flip it. Reframe the moment. What’s the opportunity here?
Release it. Let go of what’s outside your control (which is more than we like to admit).
It’s not about bypassing hard things—it’s about loosening their grip.
You’re Not the Only One Struggling
One of the biggest lies we buy into is that we're the only ones feeling this way. That everyone else is handling life with ease while we’re barely keeping it together.
But behind the highlight reels and well-managed calendars, most people are quietly overwhelmed too. Just knowing that can take some of the pressure off. You’re not behind—you’re just human.
What Helps (And What Might Surprise You)
We also explored what actually helps lighten the load. Some of it’s obvious: making lists, taking breaks, moving your body.
But we also touched on something deeper: how external tools—books, shows, and even AI—can offer clarity, comfort, or just a moment of space. Whether it’s a character in a show mirroring your struggles or a book that names what you couldn’t—those small reflections matter.
And while AI might feel like a weird addition to this list, we’re starting to see how it could be a tool for awareness and support… if used with intention.
Final Thoughts: What If You Don’t Need to Fix Everything?
Sometimes the most powerful shift isn’t fixing the chaos. It’s learning how to hold it differently.
To see overwhelm not as a failure—but as a signal. A moment to pause. To realign. To ask yourself: What actually matters right now?
You don’t have to burn it all down or run away to Bali (though hey, if you do—send pics). Most of the time, it’s about making one better choice. Then another. Then another.
And if no one’s told you lately: you’re doing better than you think.
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