Recent Letter to the ElderWisdomCircle™
SELF-IMPROVEMENT: Feeling Overwhelmed by Meetings, Classes, and Demands Original Letter This past thursday I had a large assignment, and presentation due relatively close together. Today I have a presentation, and two relatively large assignments due, tomorrow I have another presentation due, and thursday another large assignment. I've been spending a significant amount of time trying to get these assignments done, get enough sleep, working out, and taking breaks. I still had to skip two classes to accomplish these things, and I have a two-hour long meeting tonight that I need to skip in order to finish my projects on time. I guess what I am feeling is, wow this is a lot of work, and I don't mind the work, but it is causing me to be tired and I am unable to do the things that I want to do. I read a lot of articles on what successful people do, and I can't help but compare myself to them. Some of the things that they do, I am able to do, but I haven't been able to keep up. The meeting that I am supposed to go to tonight is for a leadership program. It takes up a significant amount of my time, and I am getting tired of doing it. I want to quit, but I am afraid that if I do the director will not respect my alumni status and that status has the potential to help me get a job. I guess what I am feeling is that I am overwhelmed in a way because I am doing all these things. There are other people are in my position though and they're not skipping classes, or wanting to quit the program that they are in. Why should I feel overwhelmed? I want to be extraordinary but I have this idea in my head that if I don't do everything that I am supposed to do I am not adequately preparing myself for the world because I'm quitting. Elder Response One thing I could suggest, Keith, is to perhaps get some help with time management. Possibly you need assistance with that. The second thing to look at is your class load and schedule. If possible, meet with a guidance counselor to review your schedule, and see if you can streamline something by dropping a class or activity. If there is a subject that you are struggling with, you might need a tutor. I know you are feeling overwhelmed, but there is a solution out there. Not everyone handles the work at the same pace. The important thing is to do your best on every class and project, but to make sure you have the necessary time to do so. You still need sufficient sleep, exercise, and some free time to have a balanced life. If it requires you to scale back something, and pick it up later, then that's what you have to do. A conversation might be in order with the director of your leadership program (but only after you talk to a counselor) . Explain your problem, tell him are anxious you are to do well in it, and see if he can offer some solution. You can do this, Keith. Don't be afraid to ask for help. I wish you the best. Best Regards, M-Sharon |
