Alan Weiss’s Monday Morning Memo® – 5/08/2023
I’m becoming underwhelmed by “overwhelmed.” What on earth does that mean? I guess people use it meaning “overcome” with tasks, responsibilities, guilt, fear—I’ve not yet heard anyone tell me they were overwhelmed with happiness or blessings, for example. (And by the way, for the etymologists out there, “whelm” is also a word, meaning to engulf, submerge, or bury. Hence, overwhelm would seem to be an inescapable fate.)
Well, I investigated this with scores of clients globally and here’s what I found: “Overwhelm” is the result of not focusing solely on the immediate issue in front of you, but attempting to deal with it while also considering a dozen other things you believe you have to tackle. So while trying to write a three-page article you’re also thinking about rescheduling a dentist visit, collecting two past-due bills you’re owed, balancing your checkbook, and trying to discourage the in-laws from visiting when you wanted to take a long, weekend vacation.
Focus on what’s in front of you. You don’t have to finish it. Plan to complete one page of the article, or clean one shelf in the garage not the entire space, or research two possible vacation spots but not all five that have been recommended.
Overwhelm becomes a meaningless meme for procrastination, delay, and even abandonment. You’re not overwhelmed, or even whelmed, you’ve simply lost control of your time.
Schedule “chunks” of things in your calendar, put Post-It® notes on your computer, make a list on a pad. When you finish that one “chunk” then cross it off your calendar or list and throw out the computer note. That gives you a sense of accomplishment.
I wrote this, without having thought about it before, in less than ten minutes. My dogs are both in here, but they don’t need to go out or play or eat. I want to watch some tape of the Coronation later, but it can wait. I’ve already played Wordle today, and Angry Birds will come later.
The cars need washing, but the hell with it. It’s 75° right now, and I’m putting the top down on one of them and heading down the road. We’re done here.
I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with. —Sonia Sotomayor
Often I feel that projects overwhelm us when we look at how many hours are involved until completion. But just getting started is usually not that difficult. —Emily Giffin
I can’t intimidate, guilt, or overwhelm you. You allow those things to happen to yourself. —Alan Weiss
Developmental Stuff
Master Master Class II: This sold-out event in March was so popular that I’m running another in October in Newport. I accept 16 people in person (you may also attend remotely on our large screen) and we have 6 seats remaining! I’m creating new material, exercises, and challenges. Past “grads” get a discount. One person said, “I’ve known you for nearly 20 years, and this is the best thing you’ve ever done!” (Maybe I just wasn’t that good before!) Register here: https://alanweiss.com/
SENTIENT STRATEGY, my new book, was released in March. It’s a revolutionary approach being facilitated by over 70 people in five countries. If you purchase the book, feel it’s justified and can give a five-star review on Amazon, I’ll invite you for free to a May 18 Zoom session on Sentient Strategy and the role of strategy in contemporary society. There’s still time to join me.
NEW! Alan’s Advisory Suite: Nine options for groups or individuals to receive “real time” coaching to build their practices and lives on a continuing basis. The strongest, best people in business, entertainment, sports, the media—all use coaches. https://alanweiss.
Alan Weiss’s Coaching Confidential Newsletter™: Sign up to receive my unique, monthly, highly targeted newsletter which contains inventive coaching methodology, case studies, and strange experiences in the coaching trade! I’ve coached thousands of business executives and entrepreneurs globally: https://alanweiss.
Million Dollar Consulting® for the World: I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries. https://
NEW: Million Dollar Consulting® for the World ADVANCED: The new program contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more. https://alanweiss.com/
Sentient Strategy Certification: My new book on the topic (above) has been released, so this is an ideal time to market Sentient Strategy. Write me to apply, join over 70 people certified in six countries. One-time fee of $12,000, includes 90 days of my support, free admission to all future certifications, and admission to a private web board with other Sentient facilitators. Apply at: [email protected]
Vancouver Day: I’ll be providing a full day in Vancouver for as little as $300 (US) including lunch on September 9: How to Dramatically Increase Revenues while Radically Reducing Labor. I’ll be returning from an Alaskan cruise and need the money to pay for it! This is a rare appearance in Western Canada. https://alanweiss.com/
New: Side by Side by Side:
The members of two of my oldest and most successful Growth Cycles have independently told me that my facilitated sessions with them are about the only place—in person and/or remotely—where they have the kind of discussions we have about business, politics, family, finance, religion, relationships, technology, social mores, and the economy. In other words, we’re talking about life and legacy with peers and people we respect. So, I’ve created a new “virtual salon” where I can create engagement for more people globally.
How It Works
There will be two versions:
1. Monthly meetings for a year by Zoom for 60-90 minutes with a consistent membership of the same 7-10 people, with two, optional in-person meetings over the year at sites determined by the group.
2. Quarterly meetings for a year by Zoom for 90-120 minutes with a consistent membership of the same 7-10 people, with one optional in-person meeting during the year at a site determined by the group.
Option 1: $7,500 per person; Option 2: $3,500 per person
I will launch groups once I have a minimum of seven people and we’ll create convenient times and dates to accommodate any differing time zones and other variables.
https://alanweiss.com/growth-
© Alan Weiss 2023
