Idea # 11 There’s Usually More than One Problem, But It’s Hard to Fix More Than One at a Time

Most people have more then one goal or problem they’d like to work on. Faced with more than one pressing task, we are likely to take on too many. Most of us try too hard to do too much when everything seems urgent.

 Too many irons in the fire

 Running around in circles

 Spinning your wheels

 Juggling too many balls in the air

 Running around like a chicken with its head cut off

Working on many problems, tasks, and goals at the same time brings on lots of stress. Remember, almost every person with a brain injury has little tolerance for stress.

 I have to find a job now!

 I must get rid of this headache right away!

 I absolutely need a new car, but I can’t afford it!

 I’ve got to move out of my parents’ house now!

 I’ll never get rid of all this debt!

 I have to get my taxes done!

The underlined words above are signals warning you that you are stressing yourself beyond your limits. Repeatedly telling yourself that you’ve "got to" or "have to" or you must do it "now" will not make you more efficient or successful. Avoid using these phrases.

Check off the completed items. Doing so will help you monitor progress and develop reasonable expectations. To stay on track, review the list every day or more often. Things can change at any time. Learn to trust your feelings. If you feel like you’re doing too much, you probably are.