The problem with project managers like myself is that we become overly confident on the amount of stuff we can handle.
We know how to manage projects and are confident we can deliver. The result is that sometimes we just take on too many projects.
I’m certainly at that stage today. Waaay too much to do, not enough time.
One of the ways I have deal with this problem is to have a prioritization meeting with myself.
The process is simple.
I open a blank mindmap on one screen, and my project list on OmniFocus on another screen. I then do a quick review of all my projects and list no more than 3 that absolute need my attention right NOW. I add them to the mindmap. Sometimes I do that for the whole week, in which case I allow myself to add more than just 3 projects/goals (see image above).
From that point on, I try to break down those projects into smaller actions and see what I can do today to move them forward.
You know I’m a big proponent of sticking with a system, and this seems to take me away from my system. However, sometimes I’m too overwhelmed to process all that’s going on in my life at a single moment. This exercise helps me not just move projects forward, but also with my stress level.
How do you deal with overwhelm?