How to Stop Boiling the Ocean: A New Year’s Guide to Overcome Overwhelm and Create Life Balance
The new year often promises abundance, growth, and fresh starts—but it can also bring a tidal wave of stress. With so many goals, expectations, and responsibilities piling up, it’s no wonder so many people are wondering how to overcome overwhelm and feel more grounded.
If you’ve struggled with emotional overload or felt like you’re spinning in every direction, you’re not alone. Many of my clients arrive in January already feeling off-balance mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Let’s look at why this happens—and what you can do to recenter, release the pressure, and move forward with clarity.
Why We Struggle to Overcome Overwhelm in the New Year
I’ve noticed a clear trend with my coaching clients lately: almost all of them are feeling stress across every root area of life—from career and relationships to health and family.
When one area is out of balance, it creates a ripple effect across the others. And when you try to fix everything at once? That’s when overwhelm sets in.
The Hidden Cost of Trying to Do It All
When we’re overwhelmed, our emotional needs get louder. You may suddenly feel an intense need for:
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Security and stability
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Validation or approval
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Connection and intimacy
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Growth or control
Trying to fulfill all these needs at once can make you feel stuck. It can even lead to burnout, anxiety, or physical symptoms like tension headaches and fatigue.
Real-Life Example: One Root Triggered Them All
One client recently shared how uncertain he felt about his new job after an intense onboarding process. That one doubt about his career spiraled into self-doubt across his relationship, health habits, and even his confidence in daily decisions.
He was trying to do everything perfectly—at work, at home, and for himself—which only deepened the pressure. This is a perfect example of why it’s important to learn how to overcome overwhelm by addressing your emotional needs in manageable ways.
Stop Trying to Boil the Ocean
In times like this, I always remember what my wise friend Cynthia says:
“Stop trying to boil the ocean.”
Translation? You don’t need to fix everything right now.
Instead, focus on the 1–2 things that are causing you the most emotional stress. When you resolve even one of them, the fog often lifts. Your sense of control returns, and the rest starts to feel more manageable.
How to Recenter and Take Action
Another client, Joe, came to me while recovering from surgery. He felt defeated because he couldn’t keep up with his business. Together, we narrowed his focus down to five core priorities—and gave him permission to temporarily let go of the rest.
One of those priorities was his health. By making peace with that focus, Joe was able to overcome overwhelm and feel joy in the progress he was making—without guilt.
Try it for yourself:
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What’s the #1 emotional pressure you’re feeling right now?
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What one decision or action would help you feel relief or clarity?
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Are you on your own priority list?
Make sure one of your top 5 priorities is YOU.
Use Root-to-Rise to Overcome Overwhelm and Rebalance Your Life
If you’re ready to stop running in circles and start feeling grounded again, I created the Root-to-Rise system to help people just like you. It teaches you how to nourish the five core areas of life—health, relationships, career, friends, and family—while meeting your emotional needs in lasting, healthy ways.
To start your journey, take the free Hidden Forces Quiz and get insights into what’s really driving your decisions and emotions. It’s a powerful first step to help you overcome overwhelm and build a life that feels balanced, clear, and aligned with your purpose.
Take the free quiz and learn more about Root-to-Rise at glowliving.com/hiddenforcesquiz
