Why Having Too Much Going On is a Terrible Idea (But I’m Doing It Anyway)

Hello, Awesome human!

Are you feeling overwhelmed right now? Let’s talk about having too much going on. You know, that state of existence where every hour of the day feels like the finale of a fireworks display—chaotic, dazzling, and slightly terrifying.

As I sit here typing this blog, Here’s the lineup:

1. Book Release Next Week: Because writing a book wasn’t challenging enough, I decided to throw in finishing the audiobook by then. Sleep is for the weak, right?
2. Mural Design Concept: Due this week. Nothing screams “relaxation” like designing a mural that’s probably the size of a small country.
3. Art Commissions: Scheduling a couple more because why not pile on?
4. Calendar Promotion: Hoping to promote it by the end of the month so I can afford to order them. It’s like a Kickstarter, but with more stress and fewer backers.
5. Holiday Sale Planning: In a couple of weeks. Because the holidays aren’t hectic enough without planning a virtual sale that could rival Black Friday.
6. Makerspace Ribbon Cutting: Happening this week. I’m helping run it, which mostly involves nodding enthusiastically and pretending I know what’s going on.

Oh, and let’s not forget that my YouTube channel is looking more like a ghost town than a bustling community right now, and I’ve barely interacted with my online Rogue tribe of artists lately. If I were a circus, tickets would be sold out for the sheer chaos of it all.

The Million-Dollar Myth

You’d think all this “hustle” would have us swimming in cash like Scrooge McDuck. Spoiler alert: Nope. Last month’s financial hit said, “Not today!” So while we’re busy, it’s more like busy broke than busy bougie. Filthy rich? Only if we’re talking about the pile of dishes in my sink.

How Do I Handle It Without Imploding?

Here’s the thing, I actually don’t recommend this level of chaos to anyone. But, if you find yourself in a similar situation (which you probably will, because you’re awesome and ambitious), here’s how I manage to keep my head from spinning like a pottery wheel on overdrive:

1. Get Organized (Even If It Feels Like Herding Cats)

I write everything down—deadlines, to-dos, random thoughts about what I have going on like squirrel conspiracies. If it’s not on my list, it doesn’t exist. Sure, my list is terrifying, but at least I know where my terror is coming from.

2. Take Baby Steps

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is an audiobook, mural, or calendar release. I focus on small, manageable chunks of work (or as I like to call them, “fa-chunks”) and tackle them one at a time. No multitasking here—it’s a trap. One chunk at a time.

3. Fa-Chunk Your Fa-Chunks

There are days when I wake up and think, Not today, life. Not today. On those days, I pick just one thing to accomplish. I Give myself a limit on how long I’m willing to work on it before I quit for the day. This gets me started and I usually get in the groove and work longer on it. It’s not about winning the whole war; it’s about winning the battle that gets me started for the day.

4. Don’t Let Overwhelm Sink Your Ship

The most dangerous thing isn’t the pile of tasks—it’s the creeping sense of oh no, I can’t do this! I kick overwhelm out of the room the moment it shows up. My enthusiasm may take a hit now and then, but I refuse to let it sink completely.

5. Deadlines Are Suggestions (Sometimes)

Here’s a little secret: I’m not afraid to extend deadlines if I absolutely have to. Sure, I try to honor my commitments, but if things get overwhelming, I remind myself that it’s better to deliver something amazing late than mediocre on time. Deadlines are flexible (within reason), and sometimes giving yourself breathing room is the kindest thing you can do.

Why I Keep Going

Despite the chaos, I love what I do. Sure, it’s like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle, but it’s my unicycle, and those are my flaming swords. At the end of the day, every mural, work of art, book, video, and project is a step closer to my ultimate creative dream… to make the world a little brighter.

That being said, I’m taking steps to keep this from ever happening again. By spacing out projects and keeping them more manageable, I can ensure that my circus acts remain thrilling instead of overwhelming. Live and learn, right?

So, if you’re feeling like life is one big circus right now, take a deep breath, fa-chunk your day, and don’t let the overwhelm steal your spotlight. You’ve got this. If I can do it without losing my mind, everyone can.

Now, back to my regularly scheduled chaos! 😊

What’s on your plate this week? Share your circus acts below—I promise I won’t judge!