I’ve talked about reframing in a couple of previous posts. It’s a powerful method to help change perspectives and often, to make sure you see responsibility in the right light.

Recently as I was talking to a friend and we were discussing the heavy workload my friend was experiencing, my friend said “There is no way I can complete all the work or all the tasks on my to-do list”.

So I asked, “Is it necessary to complete all of them to meet your goals?”

“No,” my friend replied after a moment’s thought.

“That’s your entry point,” I said. “Let’s reframe it. Instead of saying that ‘I cannot complete everything / there is no way I can do all of the work’. Let’s adjust that perspective to ‘Not all these tasks are equally important or impactful for my business’s success.’”

We then dove into a deeper conversation about prioritisation. I suggested that my friend list out all the tasks and categorise them based on their actual impact on the business: high, medium, and low. By doing this, my friend could focus on completing tasks that would have the most significant effect. Rather than spreading themselves too thin trying to accomplish everything.

I also introduced the idea of delegation. “Could any of these tasks be handed off to someone else?” I asked. “Are there things you’re doing that could be done by a team member or outsourced to free up some of your time?”

We explored this option, and my friend realized that delegation could indeed alleviate some of the burdens.

Setting realistic goals and expectations

Moreover, I pointed out the benefits of setting realistic goals and expectations. Rather than viewing the workload as a mountain that’s impossible to climb, we discussed breaking it down into smaller, more manageable hills. We talked about the importance of celebrating small victories and maintaining a sense of progress, which is much healthier than aiming for an all-or-nothing approach.

By the end of our conversation, my friend’s perspective had shifted from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more in control. We reframed the situation from a negative to a more positive and constructive viewpoint. It wasn’t about working harder but working smarter and recognizing which battles to fight and which ones could be left for another day or handled by others.

Reframing isn’t just about changing the words you use; it’s about changing how you see and interact with your challenges. It’s a tool that allows you to shift your mindset and approach problems with a renewed sense of possibility and a strategy that aligns more closely with your actual goals and capabilities.

Don’t give in, let’s talk and start your transformation.

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