David H. • This is one I want to listen to again! I'll post more after that. Hey, where are all the other commenters?

Chris B. • This one really hit the nail on the head for me. I run an NGO www.oceanswatch.org and am constantly feeling overwhelmed and frustrated that I can not realise all my visions.

Paul D. • FIrst time I've heard ocean and he is the best yet (that's saying something when you consider his Dad's been there and Marianne was speaking too!

Here's the great thing about him I think; great content AND his alliteration, the way he uses GREAT inspiring phrases plus his 'UP' tonality is superb.

And he's spot on about SME's — here at B1G1 (www.b1g1.com) that is PRECISELY the sector we focus on too and for precisely the reasons that Ocean articulates (mind you, I loved his 'bio-diversity' angle on that — I'd never heard that one before in this context.

Note to Ryan — congratulations on doing this. Can you please be more UP and inspiring in your introductions. It's interesting listening to how you do that 'naturally' as you interact with Ocean.

That's why part of our joint task is to be inspiring so that we can inspire.

Again, thank you. Be sure to keep on doing .....

..... things that amaze you (and us).


Paul
Chairman, B1G1.

Roshanna S E. • I enjoyed Ocean's conversation and found him deeply engaging through his manner and style of communicating and offering thoughts that are nurturing the reconditioning of our overly and incorrectly trained mindsets. His simple questions hit deep to the soul as well as the heart. It is exciting to know he is out there speaking and 'jamming' such essential concepts and paradigms for healthy evolving. Went to the YesWorld.org and loved the video and connections being born!
Hearty congratulations! My heart sings!

Candi S. • wow..I loved this talk. I am so having a hard time with being "overwhelmed". Ocean helped me acknowledge that this feeling is normal and that I need to schedule and stop "skirting" around the big project. Getter Done! Thanks so much..

Ocean R. • Thanks for all the great feedback, folks! You might want to check out my new website to stay in touch with me. http://www.oceanrobbins.com

All the best wishes,

Ocean Robbins

Dena P. • I agree with Paul (nice to "see" you again, Paul!). I'm connecting with you on all levels (well, social media levels, at least), Ocean, and thank you for be part of this wonderful series! Best to all....

Paul D. • Hello Dena — wow, amazingly good to 'see' you here too. Do drop me a note on paul@b1g1.com and let me know more about what you're doing, Dena.

And create a magical weekend ahead too. Be sure to keep on doing .....

..... things that amaze you.


Paul

Ann W. • The discussion with Ocean was great. It sounds like we can all relate to overwhelm and the need to stay focused on our big rocks vs. all the little distractions. I also really appreciated Ocean saying that even if you don't choose to run your own social enterprise, there are always ways to contribute to making the world a better place and to do what we can. Thanks!

Ryan E. • Ocean never stops inspiring me. After more than 20 years of collaboration and friendship, you'd think I might start to take him for granted. However, he's just too darn amazing. I encourage everyone to follow him on his new web page.

And speaking of overwhelm...I wrote something about it that people might find useful...

Overwhelm and What To Do About It – By Ryan Eliason

Everybody knows the feeling of having too much to do and not enough time to do it. Many people battle with overwhelm on a regular basis. But what is “overwhelm” exactly and what causes it?

I believe overwhelm is the fear that something important is not going to get done or it’s not going to get done properly; or that everything is going to get done properly but you are going to have to sacrifice your well-being in the process. The result is a feeling of being submerged in demands and activities; and stretched in too many directions.
Five things can cause overwhelm:

1. Underestimating how much time it is going to take to complete your activities and taking on too much

2. Lacking a decent plan to reach your objectives, which leads to a lack of confidence

3. Not recording everything that needs to get done in a system that you can trust to remind you as needed – instead, keeping it in your head and worrying about it

4. A lack of focus – allowing your attention to be pulled in different directions

5. Failure to clarify priorities

It is important to learn to recognize the symptoms of overwhelm so that you can catch it early and take care of it before it gets out of hand. It’s much easier to deal with in the early stages than it is once you have begun to feel extremely overwhelmed. So start paying close attention. When you start to feel subtly overwhelmed, use it as a signal to implement the following steps.

1. Reevaluate what is most important (what is a necessity versus a desire)

2. Make a list

3. Put the list in order of priority

4. Chunk the list into baby steps

5. Take control by taking action immediately

6. Focus on one action step at a time

I use this formula with my clients, and with myself, whenever I start slipping into overwhelm. I hope it helps.

Roshanna S E. • Fabulous breakdown, Ryan, wow, it's a great list! Succinct. Clear. Sensible. Practical.
I have shared it with my colleagues. Thanks a million.

Julie C. • THANK YOU Ryan! I am overwhelmed often-- and it is only when I am lost in creative process or doing something fully that I feel relieved. This is a great reminder and process!

Wendy M. • this is an excellent article Ryan. I would add that somethimes we tell ourselves a story that we need to be doing something only to find out that our direction needs to change. We may be really good at doing something, but something else could be a better fit with our lifestyle or life purpose. So, I believe your point about our worry that "we are going to have to sacrifice your well-being in the process" is quite important. I believe, as I see you do, that our wellbeing is so important. The overwhelm we feel may be an indication not only that we're taking on too much, but also that there's a better way that would meet our needs better. Good on you to encourage folks to evaluate. I'd even add to that...to dream and rest and see what emerges.

Kathleen M. • Thanks for this! So helpful! Who doesn't feel overwhelmed at times or most of the time? It is important to have available tools and techniques to use immediately to change that feeling.