Stop Distracting Yourself

If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself: What's truly my responsibility here?

Stop Distracting Yourself
Photo by NEOM / Unsplash
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Taking the time to consider and prioritize which responsibilities are most important in your life can help you manage overwhelming situations and focus on what matters most.

Are you feeling like there's just too much on your plate lately? Maybe you're struggling to balance work, family, friends, exercise, hobbies, and everything else that's important to you.

But have you ever stopped to really consider which things in your life are truly your responsibility, and which things you can let go of or delegate to others? It's an important question to ask yourself, especially during busy times when you need to focus your efforts, attention, and energy on the things that matter most.

So, what's inside your circle of responsibilities?

Well, that depends on your unique situation and priorities. But some common examples might include:

  • Taking care of your physical and mental health. While you may have a doctor, therapist, or personal trainer to help you with this, ultimately it's your responsibility to prioritize your own well-being and make healthy choices.
  • Nurturing your important relationships. Whether it's your spouse, children, parents, or close friends, you can't rely on anyone else to put in the time and effort to maintain these connections.
  • Doing your job to the best of your ability. While you may have coworkers or a boss to help you, you're the one who's ultimately responsible for showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and producing quality work.

Of course, there are other areas of your life that may not be entirely within your control. Maybe you're dealing with a difficult family member, a chronic illness, or a sick pet that's affecting your daily life. These things may be outside of your circle of responsibilities, but that doesn't mean you can't take steps to mitigate their impact on your life.

The key is to use this lens as a guide for figuring out where to focus your efforts.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself: What's truly my responsibility here? What can I let go of or ask for help with? By doing so, you'll be better able to prioritize your time and energy, and ultimately create a more fulfilling and balanced life.