10 Steps for beating overwhelm as a Kids Life Coach

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You know that feeling when your head feels full, your mind is distracted, your focus is off and you just don't know which task on your lists needs doing next?

We've all been in that boat, feeling adrift amidst the sea of tasks and responsibilities. It's a common sensation, especially in the demanding field of kids' life coaching, where the stakes feel incredibly high. You're not just managing a business; you're shaping young lives. When the overwhelm hits, it's crucial to have a strategy to navigate through it. Here are 10 steps to consider when you find yourself wondering what to do next:

1. Pause and Breathe: It might seem counterintuitive when your to-do list is a mile long, but taking a moment to pause can actually help clear your mind and improve focus. A few deep breaths or a short meditation (mind holiday as we call it with kids) can reset your stress levels and give you a fresh perspective.

2. Prioritize: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify which tasks have the most significant impact on your coaching program and tackle those first. Sometimes, what you need to do first is not what you want to do first, but prioritizing effectively can help move your business forward in meaningful ways. Your coachees should always come first so start there by planning ahead for your coaching sessions so that you always feel well prepared.

3. Break It Down:  Large tasks like finances, marketing and administration can seem insurmountable and contribute to your feeling of overwhelm. Break down big projects into smaller, manageable steps and set a timeline for completion. This not only makes it easier to start but also provides a clear path forward.

4. Set Timers:  Utilize the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to work in focused bursts. Setting a timer for 25 minutes and working on a single task without distractions can significantly boost your productivity. After the timer goes off, take a short break before starting another session. Do what you coach your coachees to do and just get down to doing it!

5. Seek Support: Remember, you don't have to do it all alone. Reach out to your network of fellow Kids Life Coaches, mentors, or our supportive community online. Sharing your challenges and seeking advice can provide new insights and solutions you might not have considered. 

6. Reflect on Your 'Why': In moments of doubt or confusion, revisit the reason you became a kids' life coach in the first place. Reflecting on your passion for helping children and families can reignite your motivation and clarify your next steps.

7. Embrace Flexibility: Sometimes, despite our best plans, things don't go as expected. Being flexible and willing to adapt is crucial. If a particular approach isn't working, be open to trying something new. This is why our weekly Thinking Thursday group mentorship sessions are so beneficial. Not only do these sessions offer new ideas, but they enhance creative thinking through co-collaborations. (Click here to join our Coach Professional Membership if you haven't already joined.)

8. Celebrate Small Wins:  Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Completing a task, making a difficult decision, or simply managing to start your day with a positive mindset are all victories worth acknowledging. Our private Kids Life Studio® Coach support group does this every Friday where we post and share our micro wins for the week - it's not only uplifting, but it's inspiring too! 

9. Recharge: Don't forget to take care of yourself. Coaching can be emotionally and mentally taxing, so it's important to recharge. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, whether it's reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby.

10. Professional Supervision: Working as a Kids Life Coach is a big responsibility and if you aren't having regular debriefing sessions, you may not be reaching your full potential as a coach. When you are overwhelmed you miss your own blind spots and supervision sessions enable you to reflect with a wide angle lens to ensure growth and future focused thinking. (Click here to book a supervision session with Kids Life Studio® Founder, Zelna)

Remember, feeling overwhelmed is a sign that you're committed and passionate about your work as a kids' life coach. By adopting these 10 strategies, you can navigate through the fog of overwhelm and continue making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families as you work towards Rebranding Childhood®. Keep pushing forward, one step at a time. You've got this!