Strategies to Conquer Overwhelm

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, host George Wright III and guest John Harding, Franklin Planner expert, address the growing issue of overwhelm in today’s fast-paced world. They explore the underlying causes, such as lack of clarity, overcommitment, and digital distractions, and offer actionable solutions to tackle this pervasive problem. Key strategies discussed include defining priorities, using daily and weekly planning effectively, and the benefits of handwriting over digital tools. The conversation also delves into principles from Stephen Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,’ emphasizing the importance of proactivity, goal setting, and focusing on what truly matters. This episode aims to equip listeners with the tools and insights needed to take control of their lives and lead their teams more effectively.

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Episode Timeline

01:03        Understanding Overwhelm: Causes and Effects

06:07        Addressing Overwhelm: Strategies and Solutions

06:45       The Power of the Franklin Planner

19:39        The Importance of Handwriting & Paper Planning

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Episode Transcript

Welcome and Introduction

Host – George Wright III

Welcome to the Franklin Planner podcast. I’m your host, George Wright, the third, and this is the podcast where we give you the strategies, tools, and resources to lead your team and create your best life.

Today’s Episode Focus – Conquering Overwhelm

And today’s episode is all about conquering overwhelm because let’s face it, we’re all juggling more than ever before. So joining me is none other than John Harding, owner, board member, and Franklin Planner expert.

Introduction of Guest – John Harding

John, how are you doing today?
John Harding: I’m George, I’m doing great. Great to be with you. I’m excited to dig into this one today.

George Wright III: Yeah, me too. I couldn’t agree with you more. And you know, John’s here to help us unlock the power of planning, journaling, and focusing on what really matters most.

Understanding Overwhelm: Causes and Effects

Overwhelm as the New Normal

So let’s kind of get started here. John, let’s start with the problem. Overwhelm seems like the new normal for most of us, right? So between endless to-do lists, constant notifications, and competing priorities, it feels like we’re barely keeping our head above water. So what’s really driving this whole sense of overwhelm right now?

John’s Insights

Let me give you a little background. I thought as we were planning this today, I’d just go ahead and give you some definitions. When you hear the term “overwhelm,” you may know it, but many people don’t. They might think of it as just feeling overwhelmed, but let me provide some context.

Defining Overwhelm

What Does Overwhelm Mean?

The term “overwhelm” refers to a state of being emotionally, mentally, and physically overcome by an excessive amount of stimuli, tasks, and challenges. It feels really impossible to manage, and it often results in feelings of helplessness, stress, and anxiety. That’s a pretty heavy load, isn’t it?

John Harding: Oh, yeah. Yeah. And that’s what most people are feeling—the heaviness, right?

The Emotional and Physical Aspects of Overwhelm

The Scope of the Issue

Yeah. Now I’m going to just give you two more and then look it up and we can talk about it again because as we come back in the podcast, this is sort of an umbrella condition that we’re all facing, no matter where we live on this earth. And so it’s worth looking into, but there’s really an emotional aspect to it. There’s a physical aspect, and there’s a lot to it.

Research Findings on Overwhelm

Let me just give you this: the research shows that overwhelm is pervasive and it kind of, in most cases, groups up into three buckets. One is a lack of clarity, and you could think of maybe not having a clear sense of who you are and what matters. And that is kind of a guide for you to do this.

The Three Main Causes of Overwhelm

Lack of Clarity

John Harding: George, you’re absolutely right about this. Overwhelm is a pervasive kind of problem. It’s driven by three major factors in most cases. First is a lack of clarity. So people don’t have a clear sense of what truly matters to them and who matters to them.

Overcommitment

Second is a sense of overcommitment. We, at least in our Western society, live in a culture where we’re used to saying yes. It could be at work, at home, or in the community. And so we get ourselves into a lot going on in our lives.

Digital Distractions

The third is a huge factor that maybe has emerged in the last 20 years: the constant mirage of digital stimuli, overload of information, and decisions. So those would be three major reasons behind this overwhelming feeling.

Relating to Overwhelm

Overcommitment and Distractions

George Wright III: Yeah, and I think most can relate to all of those things because, you know, lack of clarity definitely is going to make people feel overwhelmed. I know for a fact that most of the entrepreneurs and leaders I talk to are overcommitting, spending way too much time on things they shouldn’t be doing, things that aren’t important, maybe not even urgent, but they still feel compelled to do them. And the distractions are a big factor as well.

Time Management vs. Focus

It sounds like to me, you’re saying—and I know we’ve talked about this before—that it’s not just about managing your time. The solution has to be more about understanding your priorities, finding focus, and creating clarity. So how do you address that?

The Importance of Priorities and Focus

Managing Priorities

John Harding: No, you’re right. So it is about managing your priorities and, as you said, your focus. It’s not just a scheduling thing, right? It’s about knowing where you’re headed and how to get there.

The Digital Overload

Here’s the thing about digital overload: the decision-making fatigue. If you study the brain and what’s happening, we make so many decisions because of digital technology. Think about it: digital technology is powerful, and while it has its advantages, it doesn’t respect your priorities. It’s designed to grab your attention now, which increases stress levels. That constant stress of making decisions, determining what’s true and what isn’t, drains your energy.

Addressing Overwhelm: Strategies and Solutions

The Root of Overwhelm

If I were to go deeper into the definition, it’s interesting: the root of overwhelm is a feeling of being underwater. You can’t get up. So that’s what we’re tackling today: understanding what’s going on and figuring out how to solve it.

The Need for Understanding

I’m glad you mentioned that because I think most people need to understand the problem first. Before they can find a solution, they need to dissect it. We’ve talked about the causes: lack of clarity, overcommitment, and digital distractions. What people are really dealing with is overload—decision overload—and I completely agree that it saps your energy. So it’s not just about time management; it’s about being intentional.

The Solution: Aligning Your Life with What Matters

The Power of Focus

George Wright III: So let’s shift gears and talk about the solution you and I have discussed: aligning your life with what matters. How do we start creating clarity and focus? And how does the Franklin Planner help someone deal with overwhelm?

The Power of the Franklin Planner

Introducing the Franklin Planner

John Harding: I’d love to dive into that. The Franklin Planner, originally started by Iram Smith and later strengthened by Stephen Covey, has helped 15 million people over 40 years. It’s a tool that can provide both structure and freedom in your life.

Timeless Principles for Overcoming Overwhelm

John Harding: The reason we set up this podcast is to give you tools, but also to share timeless principles you can apply. Let me walk you through the steps and principles, and then we’ll discuss how the Franklin Planner fits in.

Defining What Matters

The first step is truly defining who matters to you and what matters to you. This is often seen in corporate environments with vision, mission, values, and goals. But it’s also applicable to your personal life: who do you want to be, and where do you want to go?

Structuring Goals Around Your Values

The second step is structuring your goals around those values. It’s about taking daily and weekly actions to deal with overwhelm and accomplish the life you want.

Handwritten Planning for Focus

The third breakthrough is the use of handwritten planning. Research shows that writing by hand boosts brain function and helps you focus, pushing away distractions and allowing for deeper work.

Creating Clarity and Intentionality

George Wright III: That’s a great foundation. I’ve brought these principles into my day-to-day routine. I start my days and weeks by focusing on who and what matters most, and I bring that focus into my planning, making sure I incorporate handwritten elements to engage my brain. Most people are on autopilot, but when you become intentional, everything changes.

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits and Overcoming Overwhelm

Stephen Covey’s book teaches powerful personal change for effectiveness. Before introducing the 7 habits, Covey emphasizes taking charge of your life and using self-evident principles. The Franklin Planner is a tool that aids in living out these principles and habits.

The “Private Victory” and the First Three Habits

Covey’s “private victory” is about mastering oneself and moving from dependence to independence and finally to interdependence.

Habit 1: Be Proactive – Take responsibility for your actions and life.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Define who you are, where you want to go, and your goals.
Habit 3: Put First Things First – Focus on what’s important and minimize distractions, especially urgent tasks.

Overcoming Overwhelm Using These Habits

These habits help individuals break through the overwhelm, focusing on personal victory. Michael Phelps’ story illustrates the power of visualization and goal setting to achieve success. The mindset of setting clear goals and intentions can lead to breakthroughs, just like in Phelps’ case.

The Power of Goal Setting and Visualization

Visualization and goal-setting were key to Michael Phelps’ success. Writing down and reviewing goals daily is crucial for achieving greatness. When you define your goals, you set yourself up for success by ensuring focus and effort.

Intentionality isn’t just for personal life but for leadership and teamwork as well. Teams that understand their purpose, write down their goals, and are aligned can work better together. Applying these principles at scale can help create a unified, effective team.

The Importance of Handwriting & Paper Planning

Why Use Paper Planners

Paper planners engage the brain in unique ways and improve memory and creativity. They reduce stress and increase goal achievement. Paper planners help avoid distractions like digital notifications. Paper planners cannot be hacked, ensuring privacy and security. Digital planners may create more overwhelm, and things can get “lost out of sight, out of mind.” Writing down goals and thoughts gives clarity, focus, and a sense of control.

Scientific Benefits of Paper Planning

Handwriting with pen and paper boosts memory retention. It engages brain chemicals that stimulate creativity and deeper thought. Writing goals down triggers the brain to begin solving and achieving those goals. Self-coaching is made easier through written reflection and goal-setting. Writing prevents multitasking, allowing for deeper focus.

Key Takeaway

The most inspiring and energizing feeling comes from taking control of your life. Writing things down, whether in a planner or journal, helps create clarity and drive toward achieving your goals. The Franklin Planner system provides a powerful way to align your life and goals for success.

Conclusion

Incorporate these principles and tools into your daily rituals to create a system for success. The Franklin Planner can help you lead your life intentionally and build a successful future.

Call to Action

Check out franklinplanner.com to find the tools that suit your needs. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Stay motivated and take that first step toward overcoming overwhelm.

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Resources & Links

1. Franklin Planner
   • FranklinPlanner.com – A tool to help implement the principles discussed in the post.
   • Franklin Planner Blog – A resource hub for time management tips and productivity strategies.
2. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits
   • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – Learn more about Stephen Covey’s framework for personal and professional effectiveness.
   • Stephen Covey’s Official Site – The official site offering resources and insights into the 7 habits.
3. Michael Phelps and Goal Setting
   • Michael Phelps’ Official Site – Learn about the athlete’s foundation and his journey.
4. Goal Setting & Visualization
   • Goal Setting With A Purpose
   • Franklin Planner’s Digital Planner
5. Mindset & Personal Growth
   • Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck – A book on how mindset influences personal growth and success.
   • The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale – A classic on the impact of mindset in achieving success.