Overload and Overwhelm
January 19th, 2004 by HalProjects invariably get to a point where there is not enough time in the day to do what it takes to stay on schedule. But that doesn't keep us from trying. The result? Projects get behind and people fall into overwhelm. So how did this come up?
I'm approaching the point of overwhelm. I am faced with more to do than I have time to do it — overload. While there is much that I have yet to promise, I want to do all of it. And so do the people who depend on me. I recognized my situation earlier today. It just wouldn't be healthy, nor would the results be up to my standards, if I continue in the current mode.
So, I'm in the process of renegotiating some commitments. That will make room for me to do more of what I have both a passion for doing and will use my talents. I expect the result will be good for all parties.
Try this on your project. Don't let yourself get as close as I was to overwhelm. Moods are contagious. One person in a bad mood will lead to another and another. Get into the habit of managing your promises. The mistake I made was not committing my time (capacity) to my promises. There always appears to be plenty of time to do what I promise to do when I just add the promise to my to do list. Don't make that mistake. Estimate the time required and make an appointment with yourself to get the work done. It's the only way I know to avoid overload and the danger of overwhelm.
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January 20th, 2004 at 7:07 pm
Work defined as making and keeping commitments has given us plenty to think about. The old adage that it’s easy to make commitments and hard to keep them has been revised. We now realize that making them is the real difficult part. It implies much we have learned from Lean Construction techniques as far as work being made ready. Commitments made without this prerequisite effort are at risk for failure. I can relate to you situation, Hal.