When there are a million things to do and you feel like the Road Runner cartoon character – feet spinning, barely touching the ground and all you can do is yell “Beep beep” – what do you do? What is the one thing that will bring back your sanity?

The answer lies in a simple yet profound coaching concept: making conscious choices.

See, frustration and overwhelm come when you feel out of control, like you have no choice in what you are doing and as if you are just running from one activity to another without a minute to rest (let alone cook a decent meal for yourself!).

When you feel like this, stop and consciously think about what you are choosing. Whether it is a project you are about to take on, or simply deciding to accept an invitation for dinner, ask yourself these two questions:

1.What am I saying ‘yes’ to, and
2.What am I saying ‘no’ to

Every time you engage in an activity, there will be things you say yes to and things you say no to.  It is your job to shine the light on these and decide if you are okay with it.  If not, course correct.

Here’s an example from my life: By saying no to running an additional workshop in November, I am saying yes to spending quality time with my family and loved ones and to running the workshop next year when I can give it the right amount of time and attention it deserves.

And just like that, I let out a big sigh of relief!

This week’s mission:  Take a look at your calendar for this upcoming week.  For each item, ask yourself: if I choose this, what am I saying yes to and what am I saying no to?  If you are happy with the outcome of your choice, keep it on the list.  If not, postpone, delegate or dump it – and welcome yourself back to the driver’s seat of your life.