From Overwhelmed to Peace: The Planning Tool That Gave Me My Power Back
- Tami West, PhD
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever said the word overwhelmed, please stay with me—and don’t skip any steps.
Last week, I had a meltdown. I cried. I double-booked myself and had to cancel a speaking gig for the first time in my entire career. That word—overwhelmed—made me stop and really think: what does it mean?
Between my full-time job with an employee assistance company, my speaking business, and the Consider Yourself Hugged podcast with Michelle, it all felt like too much. Add to that my 4 a.m. mornings (sometimes 3 a.m.!), and it was not sustainable.
So I decided to do something about it.
Here’s what I did step by step:
Step 1: Name it & Write it Down
I started with a brain dump in the notes on my phone—every role, responsibility, and deadline swirling in my head. Naming it helped me see it more clearly.
Step 2: Decide on a Planning Tool
I knew I needed something big, visual, and creative—but I didn’t want to spend money. So I gathered what I had: butcher paper, markers, stickers, trade magazines, and post-its. I even asked ChatGPT to give me ideas for organizing it.
Step 3: Build It with What I Had
I taped butcher paper to the side of a bookshelf. I didn’t have a ruler, so I used the edge of a clipboard to divide it into six parts—because Sunday is now my day of rest. I wrote “Monday” through “Saturday” in different colors.
day.
Step 4: Live It Out
I’ve used this for several days now, and here’s what I’ve learned:
Looking at Monday, I see exactly what belongs there.
Tasks are no longer tornadoes in my head—they’re tangible and time-bound.
Crumpling up a post-it is a little victory I feel in my body.
And Sunday—my new non-negotiable rest day—brings me joy just thinking about it.
If you’d like to follow along, I made a detailed, pictured step-by-step guide—with prompts, checklists, and photo placeholders—for you. You can download it right now in my Resource Vault.
I can’t tell you how much this simple system has given me back: my power, my control, and my peace.
Love & Hugs,
Tami
Engage with the full resources in my Resource Vault
I’d love to hear from you. And if you missed any of the social posts, you can check them out on Facebook or grab your free downloads from the Resource Vault.
Keep the Conversation Going!
Which of these topics helped you most this week? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I love hearing your stories. And if you want downloadable quote cards, images, or deep-dive guides for any of these posts, just let me know!
Love & Hugs,
Tami
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Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com
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