Overwhelming Days! Submitted by Tina Smith, Life Coach, TT&J Associates LLC 713-819-4745 / TinaSmithLifeCoach@gmail.com / www.TinaSmithLifeCoach.com There are days when I can’t focus. I have a gazillion and one things flying through my mind and not one of them are getting done. It’s an overwhelming day! Does that happen to you? When you are “stuck” in overload, overwhelmed with all that is going on in and around you, it is the perfect opportunity to stop and apply the “So What, Why and How” tool. The first step is to stop and breath. Focus on the here and now. Once you are focused, divide a piece of paper into thirds allowing for three columns. Write “So, What” on the first column. Here is where you dump everything that you want to accomplish that has become so overwhelming that you are now immobilized. If you are ready to move forward on an item, then write it down in this column. Next write “Why” in the second column. Here you will write next to each “What” of the first column “Why” it is important for you to achieve it. If you are not sure why you have an item in the first column, question why you have it there in the first place. We quickly move into overwhelm when our life is bogged down with the non-urgent, non-important quadrant IV of Steven Covey’s Time Matrix. These are the items that are busywork and irrelevant to our overall goals. A clear understanding of what it is you want to accomplish and why it is important to get it done will lead you to the third column of “How” In this column, my personal favorite, ask yourself what actions will it take to achieve the “What’s” you listed. Have fun; be creative and as specific as you can. Include timeframes, people who can help and any costs associated with it. When the “So, What”, “Why” and “How” chart is complete review the overall picture you have just created. Now, take another breath, it is time to prioritize. Look at timeframes, requirements and return on investment to place each item in order of importance. Once complete you will have what your most important item to do is, why it is important to achieve it and how you are going to get it done. Take another deep breath, now get it done. "In your life's defining moments there are two choices -- you either step forward in faith and power or you step backward into fear." — James Arthur Ray Creator of Harmonic Wealth® About Our Show Advisor: Walk a discovering path with Tina Smith, Life Coach. Currently living in Houston, she is a Native Texan. A single mom with two fabulous children who is rediscovering life and herself. Most recently with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as Associate Director of Performance Improvement, Tina has been on the Harmonic Wealth Journey with James Ray International since February 2008, let go of 60 pounds, stronger, healthier, and outrageously fantastic! Transitioned careers to Life Coaching and ignited the sparkle in her eyes every time a client steps into a new discovery. Life is meant to be lived! Tina Smith has facilitated both individuals and teams through the achievement of their defined game for over 20 years. Coaching personal, volunteer and professional contacts through individual sessions and education courses centering on leadership, change and performance improvement. She creates with an idealistic outlook while valuing the welfare of people. Facilitating committees and board meetings in formulating strategic goals and operational objectives with an innovative and fun slant. Tina coaches people who are ready to remove their blocks and move forward with their life. Life is abundant with opportunities. Are you ready to discover yours?