Chapter 1: The Weight of Overwhelm

Today was challenging as I battled a severe headache that left me incapacitated for most of the afternoon. The source of my discomfort was clear: stress and an overwhelming influx of information. My day kicked off with two meetings related to my role in real estate auctions, both packed with updates.

The initial call was a company-wide discussion reflecting on the previous year and unveiling plans for the upcoming one. This was followed by a smaller team meeting to delve into the changes introduced in the first call. As a Project Manager at Sotheby’s Concierge Auctions, I learned that my role will soon experience significant transformations. While these changes are exhilarating, they also caught me off guard—a common occurrence in a smaller company where the pace of change is rapid. Just when I begin to feel settled, my responsibilities shift dramatically.

These developments left me in a mental whirlwind. Questions flooded my mind: What should I prioritize next? Which skills need honing? What does the future hold for my career? How will I juggle my blogging and e-commerce ventures?

After my meetings concluded, I turned my attention to my blog and e-commerce store, but the information overload became too much to bear. I realized I needed to expand my writing beyond just my journal entries on Medium, especially with my badminton blog and course review site also demanding attention. Adding to the pressure, I have a new e-commerce store that I aim to launch next week.

My headache began when I picked up my brother after his exam. As he chatted about badminton, my mind spiraled with thoughts about my own experiences in the sport. I thought a nap would help clear my head, but unfortunately, the headache lingered. All I could hope for was to avoid feeling nauseous while playing badminton later.

The Power of Prioritization: A Mental Reset

Fortunately, playing badminton usually helps alleviate my headaches. After three hours of training, I felt a sense of relief, and I didn’t have to deal with any nausea on the court. On my drive home, a realization struck me: I needed a mental reset. My mind was cluttered, and it was essential to simplify my thoughts.

I’ve found journaling to be incredibly effective for processing my emotions and regaining focus. I decided to use it as a tool to clarify my priorities. Right now, I feel scattered, and it’s time to hone in on what truly matters.

Currently, I have two primary goals: achieving financial independence and becoming a top badminton player globally. To meet these aspirations, I’ve set specific sub-goals that will guide my actions.

To work towards financial freedom, I plan to invest the earnings from my real estate auction job and online ventures until I can sustain myself through these investments. To make this happen, I must work with productivity and concentration.

I often find myself overwhelmed by future plans instead of concentrating on my immediate tasks. Since I’m not currently engaged in a real estate auction project and the changes are still unfolding, I need to focus on the present rather than stressing about the future.

For my online business, the most effective approach is to concentrate on my Medium blog and e-commerce store. I should devote all my energy to these two areas. Once my e-commerce store becomes profitable and I establish efficient systems, I can consider hiring help, allowing me to focus on additional projects and repeat this cycle.

However, before I can even think about expanding my team, I have a lot of groundwork to cover. To reach my goal of financial independence, my attention should be solely on writing for Medium and developing my e-commerce store, putting aside other concerns until they become more relevant.

The Dangers of Multitasking

By refining my to-do list, I can now work with improved focus and efficiency. A recurring challenge for me has been the urge to tackle everything simultaneously. Surprisingly, focusing on fewer tasks allows for greater productivity. Regularly reflecting on your goals and jotting down 1–3 main priorities can help maintain focus. When you limit your daily tasks to just a few, life becomes much more manageable.

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