If I asked you to define overload, what would your definition be?
- Taking on more than you can handle?
- Working so hard you have no peace?
- Or feeling like there is never enough time?
Whatever your definition may be, operating on overload can be different for every person experiencing it. But, the results are the same! Being overloaded can result in a multitude of consequences such as negatively affecting your relationships, your quality of life, health issues from stress, and a feeling of bondage.
Evaluate your life and ask yourself how much stress have you been feeling lately? How much time with family have you missed? How many fun dates have you cancelled? How much time has been flying past you without you even noticing? All of this may be the case because you are indeed operating on overload, and it’s time to do something about it.
I offer these five solutions to avoid the consequences of overload and to help you take some of the weight of life off of you.
1. Spend quiet time with God
Think about the story of Mary and Martha from the chapter of Luke. Mary spent time at the feet of Jesus learning from Him, FIRST. Martha, on the other hand, was so busy preparing dinner, working in the kitchen, etc (you get the picture), that she became overwhelmed and frustrated. Starting your day in quiet time with The Lord will help you to know what He wants you to do (when you ask Him), and what your priorities will be for the day. Time with God means building a real relationship and not just reading a couple of verses in order to mark a “daily devotion” off of your to do list.
2. Make a plan
Make your plan as directed by God. A plan helps you to keep your focus as well as minimize distractions that can cause you to get off track. Your plan should be a strategy to help you reach your God-given vision. It is through His plan for you that you will surely realize success, even in spite of opposition that will definitely come any time you move towards your purpose.
3. Work in your strengths
Learn to stop trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Work with the strengths God has given you, that’s why He gave them to YOU. Evaluate what you are doing and if it does not fit into what God told you to do, STOP doing it. If it does fit in the plan and it is definitely NOT your strength, then delegate it. The energy you waste doing something that is not within your gift or talent, is energy lost towards achieving your goals.
4. Renew Your Mind
You must renew your mind when it comes to time, stop telling yourself that you don’t have enough time or you can’t do it, because your life is a product of your thoughts. You can’t manage time, but you what you CAN manage is the way you think about it, what you say about it, and your attitude towards it. That means managing yourself.
5. Take Great Care of YOU.
In the midst of life, never forget to take care of yourself. Be sure to eat healthy and exercise physically, mentally, and spiritually. Spend time with family and friends. Make time for hobbies that you enjoy. Finally, one of the best things you can do to take care of yourself is to laugh more! Laughter is good for your soul and can affect your physical body as this emotion helps you secrete happy hormones called ‘endorphins’.
Always remember that everything we have and everything we are comes from God. When we submit our will and way to Him, He takes the burden and because of Him we don’t have to operate on overload. Use these five suggestions to help you avoid taking on too much. Then always remember that no matter the projects or tasks you are working on, never let them consume you so much that you totally neglect what’s most important….time spent with your Creator, family, friends, and especially YOU!