Welcome back to Aunty Treacle after the summer break!
This episode tackles a universal challenge: feeling constantly overwhelmed by work coming at you at pace, feeling reactive rather than proactive, and struggling to focus on what truly matters and makes an impact.
The Listener Question
"Dear Aunty Treacle, I feel constantly overwhelmed as there is so much work coming at me at pace. As a result, I feel like I am constantly reacting and I don't feel like I am getting to the stuff that actually matters, makes a difference and makes an impact. Can you please help me get some control back and feel effective in my work?"
Key Insights & Strategies
Take a Breath and Step Back
The Foundation: While feeling overwhelmed is normal, we must question how long we allow this to be "normal." The first step is recognizing when daily churn becomes ever-encroaching.
The Balcony vs. Dance Floor Approach (Andrew Barrett's insight):
- Remove yourself from the situation to gain perspective
- Like a chess grandmaster observing the board rather than just making the next move
- Brief pauses for reflection (alone or with colleagues) can reset clarity and priorities
- Sometimes doing something isn't the solution—it can reinforce the overwhelm cycle
Personal Foundations First
Before tackling organizational issues, address your individual resilience:
- Maintain energy-giving activities: Don't stop going to the gym, reading, or other activities that help you perform
- "An empty vessel serves no one": Prioritize self-care to have the resilience for difficult conversations
- Energy management: Protect your energy, especially before busy seasons
- Sleep, exercise, nutrition: These become critical during high-demand periods
The Art of Saying No
Hell Yes or Hell No Framework (Derek Shivers):
- Instead of learning to say no, define what makes something a "yes"
- When you know your "yes" criteria, saying no becomes easier and less awkward
- Powerful reframe: "If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?"
Subtraction over Addition:
Prioritization Strategies
The Eisenhower Matrix & Beyond:
Strategic Questioning:
Don't Chase Every Email:
Managing Perfectionism
Time and Energy Management
Time Blocking Strategies:
Analyze Your Time Usage:
Team and Organizational Strategies
Know Your Team's Strengths:
Communication is Key:
Sprint vs. Marathon Approach:
Reflection and Celebration
Community Insights Summary
Jason Catterson - Frameworks & Reset Moments:
Chris Hewitt - Communication & Time Blocking:
Peter Jenkins - Getting Extra Support:
Andrew Barrett - The Balcony vs Dance Floor:
The Prescription: What to Do When Overwhelmed
Key Takeaway
"Taking time to stop and think isn't a luxury—it's mission critical." If you're passionate about what you do and want to get people home safe (or excel in any role), you must be intentional about how you use your time and energy.
Next Episode Preview
Coming up: "I Feel Like a Filing Cabinet" - exploring whether paperwork is really keeping people safe or just keeping us busy, featuring Helen Rawlinson and her insights on the actual work of safety versus administrative burden.
Remember: Feeling overwhelmed gradually and then suddenly is normal, but don't let it become your permanent normal. Be intentional, use these tools to take control, and fundamentally—talk to somebody about what you're experiencing and what you'd like it to be instead.