How to Find Clarity When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

We’ve all been there—feeling like we’re spinning a million plates in the air, running from one task to another, and barely able to catch our breath. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or juggling multiple projects, overwhelm can creep in fast and leave you feeling completely stuck.

It’s that feeling when everything seems urgent, but nothing truly gets done. The to-do list keeps growing, and suddenly, what started as excitement for your work turns into exhaustion.

Sound familiar?

Why Overwhelm Happens

First, let’s acknowledge that overwhelm doesn’t happen because you’re doing something wrong. Quite the opposite—it often creeps in because you’re juggling a lot of things that all matter to you. But the problem arises when everything feels like a priority at once. When this happens, clarity can feel far out of reach, and that’s when overwhelm strikes hardest.

But here’s the thing—clarity isn’t some elusive, far-off goal. It’s something you can cultivate with just a few small shifts in your approach. Let me share a few simple, practical steps that I’ve found helpful whenever I feel like things are getting too much.

3 Simple Steps to Find Clarity in Overwhelm

Step away from the noise.

When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel like you have to keep pushing through. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is to step away, even just for a few minutes. Give yourself space to breathe, regroup, and reset your mind.

Here’s a tip: take five minutes to make a cup of tea, step outside, or simply breathe deeply. It might sound simple, but this small break can help you create mental space and get some perspective.

Brain dump.

Once you’ve given yourself a moment of pause, it’s time to get all those swirling thoughts out of your head. Grab a notebook, your phone or a blank document, and write down everything that’s cluttering your mind. No need for structure or perfection—just get it all out.

Sometimes, just the act of putting your thoughts into words can make everything feel more manageable.

Prioritize what matters most.

Now that you’ve got everything down on paper, take a step back and look at your list. What’s truly important? Out of everything you’ve written, what are the 1-2 things that will have the biggest impact?

Those are the tasks you should focus on. Once you’ve identified your priorities, let the rest wait. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. Remember, clarity comes when you simplify.

A Real-Life Example of Overcoming Overwhelm

Let me introduce you to Hannah Roberts, an incredible coach and trainer for women in STEM. When we first started working together, she was already achieving great success in her business, but something was missing. Despite her accomplishments, she felt a sense of overwhelm and knew there was something more calling her.

Hannah realized she needed to align her work with her deeper purpose, but she wasn’t sure how to move forward. Through our work in my Catalyst mastermind, she gained the clarity she needed to make a bold shift in her business direction.

"Jo helped me see a new business direction that felt deeply aligned with my purpose," Hannah says. "With Catalyst, I got the strategies and accountability to make that vision a reality—and I’ve seen my business grow from £100k to £160k in just one year!"

Hannah’s story is proof that clarity isn’t just about being more productive—it’s about aligning your business (and your life) with your purpose. And when that alignment happens, the results speak for themselves.

Clarity Isn’t Just a Business Problem—It’s Universal

Overwhelm isn’t limited to business owners. We all face moments where we feel like we’re drowning in tasks or decisions, regardless of our role or industry. The good news? Clarity is within reach for all of us.

By stepping back, brain dumping, and prioritizing, you can cut through the noise and get back to what truly matters—whether that’s at work, at home, or in your personal life.

But What If You’re a Business Owner?

If you’re an entrepreneur or a leader and overwhelm has you spinning in circles, sometimes you need more than just a brain dump. You need a deeper reset, a chance to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with your vision.

That’s exactly what we’ll be doing at The Leap.

The Leap is a powerful, two-day event designed for female founders who are ready to cut through the noise, reset their strategy, and gain clarity on their next big step. Over these two days, you’ll be guided to step back, realign your business with your purpose, and create a 12-month plan for sustainable, purpose-driven growth.

Thursday 17th & Friday 18th October

Radisson Blu Hotel, Leicester Square, London

Register for your ticket

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready for clarity, this is your chance to step away from the chaos and walk out with a clear, actionable plan for your business.

I hope you give yourself the gift of clarity today.