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Fellow go-getters! Let’s tackle a topic that’s all too familiar for many of us: feeling like we are buried under a mountain of work. Whether you’re juggling multiple projects, deadlines looming like storm clouds, or your inbox is exploding with unread emails, feeling overwhelmed at work is something we’ve all experienced at some point. What’s the plan when you find yourself drowning in tasks? How can you regain control and conquer that mountain of work? Well, grab your favorite beverage and let’s dive in!

Take a Deep Breath. Seriously.

First things first, take a deep breath. Seriously, stop whatever you’re doing for a moment and just breathe. It may sound cliché, but trust me, it really does settle your mind and help you refocus. When we’re overwhelmed, our stress levels skyrocket, and our productivity takes a nosedive. So, pause, take a few deep breaths, and center yourself. You’ve got this!

Prioritize Ruthlessly

Next, it’s time to prioritize like a pro. Not all tasks are created equal, and trying to tackle them all at once will only lead to burnout. Take a good look at your to-do list and identify the high-priority items—the ones that absolutely must get done today. Focus your energy on knocking those out first, then move on to the less urgent tasks. Remember, it’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things.

If you need help figuring out how to prioritize your tasks, first ask your boss for help. Say something like: “I currently have these tasks on my plate and they are all a significant amount of work. Help me prioritize them so that I can make sure I’m working on things critical to your goals and the goals of the business.” Doing so removes any ambiguity from your decisions.

Also, be sure to download my free task prioritization matrix for these situations. This chart will help you decide what’s urgent and what can wait or be delegated.

Exercise Your Boundaries

One reason we find ourselves buried under a mountain of work is because we struggle, especially women, to say no. Whether it’s taking on extra projects, attending unnecessary meetings, or saying yes to every request that comes our way, overcommitting is a surefire way to overwhelm yourself. Learn to set boundaries around your time and prioritize your own well-being. It’s okay to say no, and in fact, it’s often necessary for your own sanity. Or maybe instead of no you are saying yes, later.

Pro tip: The No Club is a great book on ways to say no to unpromotable tasks.

Minimize Distractions

Speaking of boundaries, let’s talk about everyone’s favorite productivity killer: distractions. It’s all too easy to get sucked into a vortex of emails, social media notifications, chat notifications, texts, slack, instant messages, and endless meetings. If you want to make serious headway on your to-do list, you’ve got to minimize distractions and create a focused work environment. Block off some time each day when you can turn off those notifications. Use the Do Not Disturb setting on your IM program if possible, and try setting specific times for checking email and social media. Remember to block off your calendar for project work as well, or for sure someone, probably a project manager, will come along and schedule a meeting during those times.

Delegate

As much as we’d like to think we can do it all, the reality is that we can’t. And sometimes, that means asking for help. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your team members or colleagues. Not only does it lighten your workload, but it also fosters a sense of collaboration and teamwork. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help—it’s a sign of strength and smart time management. It goes back to saying no if possible and recommending someone else on the team who might be a good fit for the project. If you’re the boss and you’re trying to do everything, you are keeping your team from being engaged and learning new skills. That’s not leadership. It’s also not sustainable.

Take Care of Yourself

Let’s not forget about the importance of self-care. When you’re knee-deep in deadlines and deliverables, taking care of yourself often falls by the wayside. But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make sure to prioritize your well-being by taking breaks, getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, and engaging in activities that recharge your batteries. Trust me, you’ll be far more productive in the long run if you prioritize self-care. Even if it’s just getting up from your desk to do a victory lap around the house or office after you accomplish a task, complete a meeting, or send an important email. Build in some time for self-care so you can be your best self.

Celebrate Wins

In the midst of the chaos, it’s easy to overlook all the progress you’ve made. But even the smallest victories deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, no matter how small. Celebrating your wins not only boosts your morale but also motivates you to keep pushing forward. That victory lap I just mentioned is one way to celebrate a win. If you’re the manager, send a congratulatory email to the entire team for a job well done. Make sure you’re putting those wins in your awesome file too. You never know when they might come in handy.

So, there you have it—your roadmap for conquering that overflowing to-do list like a boss. Remember, feeling overwhelmed is a temporary state, not a permanent one. By taking a step back, setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and taking care of yourself, you’ll not only survive the chaos but thrive in it. You’ve got this! Now, go show that to-do list who’s boss!