How to Navigate Overwhelm and Regain Focus When You're Stuck Between Starting and Succeeding

Navigate Overwhelm and Regain Focus in Life's Messy Middle

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in a sea of tasks and competing priorities, even though you're technically moving toward your goals? If so, you're likely stuck in what I call "the messy middle" and you're definitely not alone.

There I was, staring at a bundle of tangled necklaces. Not the peaceful start to my day I had planned. My goal was simple: get my pendant. That one piece that has my name on it, gifted by my sister, and full of meaning. That's it. That was all I wanted. But the pendant was stuck in the middle of a knotted mess of chains, charms, clasps, and chaos (cue photos for the full drama).

And as I struggled to free it carefully at first, then with growing frustration—I had this moment of clarity. I asked myself, "Is this really worth it? Should I just walk away with what I've already got? Is the effort of unraveling the whole thing really necessary?"

At first, it felt like I had to keep going. I mean, I'd already put in so much work. But the truth? I only wanted the pendant. That was the point. Not the whole necklace. Not the pile of tangled jewelry.

This moment wasn't just about jewelry. It was a snapshot of how life really works for high achievers. We start with clarity. A dream. A goal. A purpose and in this case, our pendant.

But then life shows up with its version of tangled chains:

• Competing priorities

• Burnout

• Self-doubt

• Other people's expectations

• The pressure to do everything perfectly

And suddenly, we're knee-deep in the messy middle.

Yes, there are times when it's worth sitting down and carefully working through every knot. But sometimes? Sometimes it's okay to say, "This is what I came for. I have it. And I'm good." You don't need to exhaust yourself trying to "finish" everything just because it's there.

Just when I finally got that pendant free and was admiring it in my hand, it fell. Gone. It blended perfectly into the floor. For a solid minute, I couldn't find it. Another lesson, right? Even after all that work life still throws you surprises. So, I had to ask myself again: Do I keep looking? Is this still worth it?

Spoiler alert: I found it. And yes, it was totally worth it. But it reminded me that life isn't neat or predictable. You don't get extra credit for doing it alone or for suffering through every snarl and twist.

Now here's the thing, this whole mess could have been avoided. I do have a necklace organizer. I do know better. I had good intentions, but life got busy, and I threw the necklaces in a drawer. Sound familiar? Sometimes we already have the tools. We just don't use them. Or we don't use them consistently. And that's okay. We're human.

But it also shows something really important. You don't have to untangle the mess alone. That's what professionals do. That's what coaching is for.

In my coaching work with high achievers in the legal industry, I help you do exactly what I wish I had done with those necklaces:

• Step back

• Take stock of what actually matters

• Focus on what truly aligns with your goals and values

• Strategize your way forward with intention

Recently, I worked with someone who brought a wide array of topics to our sessions, competing goals, overwhelming responsibilities, and feeling pulled in multiple directions. Through our work together, they were able to gain clarity on what really mattered and develop meaningful next steps that felt both realistic and energizing. We look at your life as a whole because most of the time, what's keeping you stuck isn't a lack of ambition or skill, it's that your time, priorities, and energy aren't aligned. Questions like these are always a great place to start when considering taking on more or creating new goals.

• Is speed your priority? Or is it peace?

• Do you want results fast? Or do you want results that last?

• Are you building something meaningful or just checking boxes?

• What would it look like to honor your goals and your well-being?

Once you know the real goal, we can decide together: do we unravel it slowly, piece by piece, or do we find the quickest way to get what matters most? And either way, you don't have to do it alone.

So where did I land?

I found the pendant, and I now have a necklace that works perfectly with it. Will I eventually untangle the rest? Maybe. But for now, I have what I want, and that's enough.

Remember this: Life will always have a messy middle. Good intentions don't always mean good outcomes. You can choose peace over perfection. Progress doesn't require suffering. And when you're ready, you can ask for help and get there faster.

If your life feels like a tangled mess of competing priorities right now, you don't have to figure it out alone. I help high-achievers cut through the chaos and focus on what actually moves the needle, without the overwhelm.

Ready to find your pendant in the mess? Schedule your free strategy call and let's identify what matters most and create your clear path forward.