There are a few times in my life when overwhelm begins to set in, but fortunately I’ve learned how to identify those triggers a little earlier so I can prevent them when possible. One of those triggers is when things are a mess. I don’t mean a few dishes in the sink “mess,” but when, physically and mentally, I’m a mess. 

 

Disorganization is a killer to my ability to focus and get stuff done. I spend a lot of time working from my home office. If you’re not familiar with me, Justin and I built our house about 300 yards away from our gym (more on that experience in an upcoming blog!), so it’s often easier for me to focus at home while sitting at my desk. If something pops up, like it did once this week, I can walk over to the gym and have an in-person conversation or see what’s happening. Working from a home office means that a messy, disorganized house directly affects my ability to get work done. 

 

So, if you’re like me, I’m going to give you my top tips for recognizing overwhelm, and each day this week, I’ll give you a helpful tip for how to combat this stress before it turns into burnout. I’m going to guess the vast majority of people work more effectively and efficiently when they’re in a comfortable, organized space.

How I Recognize Overwhelm 

Three things signal to me that overwhelm is setting in:

  1. I start my week with a to-do list. For me, a huge sign of mental dishevelment is when simple tasks take me a long time because I’m transitioning between them, never fully able to check any off as “complete.” I am someone who loves checking off items; it makes me feel a sense of accomplishment, even if it’s a simple item. With this in mind, ending my day with just one or two items crossed out typically shows me I need to refocus and that overwhelm is on its way.
  2. I can work for hours at a time, usually very focused, without much of a break. I realize this is not normal for most people; however, knowing that’s my typical work beat, I know that if I have a huge to-do list for the gym or Next Gen and I’d rather be washing the dishes, something is off. I’m not someone who procrastinates or avoids work, so when I find myself doing that—especially when I have important tasks on my plate—it’s a big sign that some major overwhelm is coming.
  3. I tend to see physical signs of stress and overwhelm as well. Unfortunately, I don’t recognize these as quickly as I’d like. They definitely come on early, but by the time I notice them, I’m often already overwhelmed. These signs include: skipping workouts because I’m too busy; short patience with those around me (though I’m not naturally a patient person, I’m even more impatient in these moments); tense shoulders that I have to intentionally relax; restless sleep where I wake up many times in the middle of the night; and skipping meals because I don’t think about food and then feeling starved hours later.

 

I’ve talked to a lot of gym owners who consistently feel the physical signs of stress, but often, because they’ve been stressed their whole career as a gym owner, they don’t know if #1 or #2 are normal for them or not. The problem is: Stress like this will burn you out. You may be able to withstand long periods of stress now, but one day, you’re going to realize how short life is and that stress like this is not healthy for your body or mind—and it’s certainly not making you the person you want to be. 

 

I’m proud of the amount I’m able to accomplish. Truly, I feel like when I’m on my game, I can get more done in a day than the average person does in a week. (Am I bragging? Heck yeah! We all have talents … singing, gardening, baking—not my talents … but getting stuff done? I’m pretty good at that!)

 

It took me nearly 40 years to recognize when I feel stress coming on. I’m not great at lowering my stress levels, especially in times of busyness and chaos, but recognizing the problem is the first step.

You’re Not Alone

If you face a constant battle of decreasing stress in your life as a gym owner, director or coach, you’re not alone. This is a stressful job. We have a duty to mentor kids and be strong for them. We have a responsibility to produce quality athletes who are physically and mentally strong. They deserve coaches who are “all in” and not distracted by their lives outside the gym. So, join me over the next few days as I share with you the strategies that help me identify and combat stress and overwhelm. 

 

I’m not letting you off easy here though by just reading this blog and moving on with your day. I want you to take a minute today, whether it’s while you’re driving, showering or getting ready for bed, to reflect. What are the signs of stress and overwhelm for you? How do you know when you’re about to be very burned out? Do you have physical, mental or emotional signs that start appearing before you hit “full burnout stage”?

Key Takeaways:

  • Recognize early signs of overwhelm: Identifying the triggers of stress, both mentally and physically, is crucial to preventing burnout.
  • Maintain an organized environment: A clutter-free, organized space can significantly enhance your ability to focus and get work done.
  • Be aware of physical indicators: Be aware of physical signs like tense shoulders, restless sleep and skipped meals that signal rising stress levels.
  • Proactively manage stress: Taking small daily steps to manage stress can prevent it from escalating and affecting your personal and professional life.
  • Reflect and identify personal stress triggers: Regular self-reflection helps in understanding personal signs of stress, allowing for better stress management strategies.