The Sequel to a PhD Podcast
How often are our careers, identities, ambitions defined by a story we wrote for ourselves way back early on in our lives? Or by expectations that are set by others, by our culture, or by something else outside of ourselves? For some of us, maybe this works out for a while and we find ourselves successful, high-achievers at what we set out to accomplish. But what happens when we discover along the way that the story we created for ourselves no longer feels right? And that the success we’ve achieved isn't as fulfilling as we expected?
Here, we talk about navigating the thoughts, transitions, and cultural expectations that come up when we realize that the current chapter of our lives no longer fit who we’ve become. We’ll talk about learning how to figure out what we really want, doing things differently, and supporting one another in pursuing what's true and meaningful for each of us as individuals. And how that pursuit can ultimately impact the world around us.
Hosted by Shirley Markant, PhD. For more, visit www.sequeltoaphd.com.
The Sequel to a PhD Podcast
Episode 25: How to Move Forward Through Overwhelm (Even When It's Good Stuff)
Summary:
In this episode, we dive into a mindset shift that can make a big difference when tackling tasks that feel overwhelming or hard to start. Even when we're excited and inspired by new projects and ambitions on the horizon, that excitement can often come with a sense of being overwhelmed. The focus today is on the simple yet powerful mantra: Let it be easy.
Today, I share some personal insights, discussing how this simple phrase has helped manage feelings of resistance when starting new projects. For those who are high achievers or tend to overcomplicate things, this episode offers practical tips on how to shift into ease and flow, breaking tasks down into manageable tiny steps and allowing for more fun in the process.
Key Takeaways:
- "Let it be easy" as a mantra: How to use this four-word phrase to change your approach to tasks that feel daunting.
- The challenge for high achievers: How success and productivity can sometimes lead to the internal belief that something needs to be hard or complicated to be valuable.
- The power of tiny steps: Breaking tasks down into the smallest, easiest steps can reduce overwhelm and build momentum.
- The role of fun and alignment: How giving yourself permission to make things fun and natural can reduce the forceful energy often associated with hard work.
- Noticing resistance: A simple practice of observing the thoughts and beliefs that create resistance can help shift your mindset.
Discussion Questions:
- How can you apply the phrase "let it be easy" to your own tasks or projects?
- What is the absolute smallest, tiniest step you can take today to move forward on something you’ve been avoiding?
- Have you ever noticed how your internal beliefs about what’s "valuable" or "worthwhile" might be making things harder than they need to be?
Join the Conversation:
I'd love to hear how "letting it be easy" works for you! Share your thoughts or experiences by sending a message below.
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Connect:
Instagram: @shirleymarkant
