A couple of weeks ago, a new podcast launched, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, I hope you will. Tony Sablan is the winsome host of Unscripted Arena, where, through candid conversations and deep dives into the diverse lives of his guests, he illuminates the unvarnished truths and rich experiences that have shaped successful and intriguing personalities. And Episode One did not disappoint! I got a lot out of his conversation with Success Bully founder Keita Williams, who tossed out a wealth of gold nuggets, including this one: “If you feel like you’re drowning right now… act like you’re drowning. Conserve your energy. The same protocol as if you were drowning physically in water is the same protocol if you’re drowning with your business.”
Just that week, I had a conversation with a client who felt like she was drowning, and I couldn’t get Keita’s words out of my mind. I googled, “What to do if you’re drowning in water,” and found that Keita was exactly right.
With Q4 weeks away from coming to a close, many people feel like they’re drowning trying to finish up the year-end. Here are some tips on what to do if you feel like you’re just barely making it to 2024:
1. Don’t Panic and Breathe. According to 360Swim.com, this is the number one thing to keep in mind when you’re drowning in water, but it’s also the number one thing to keep in mind when you’re drowning at work. Easier said than done, right? But it’s so true. Take a moment to remember that this too shall pass. The sun will come up tomorrow, and panicking will not help you at all. Instead, imagine yourself on the other side of whatever you’re facing. Tell yourself, “I’ve got this,” and repeat it until you believe it. Take a deep breath and relax. Your executive functioning skills—i.e. “the capacity to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow multiple-step directions even when interrupted, and stay focused despite distractions, among others” (Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child), do not work properly when you are panicking. Practice one of these “Expert-Backed Breathing Exercises for Anxiety” from Forbes (my favorite is 4-7-8 breathing).
2. Conserve Your Energy. Do a quick audit of your calendar for the next week or two and clear whatever you can from it. If it can wait until next week, next month, or next quarter, punt it down the field. Free up as much space as you can for the tasks that are most immediately necessary to survive the day. Tomorrow has enough trouble of its own. And for heaven’s sake, get some sleep! Just getting a good night’s rest can be all it takes to give you fresh perspective and clarity of thought for key decision making.
3. Call for Help and Grab the Lifelines. This is no time for pride. If you feel like you’re drowning, ask for help. Delegate as much as you can. Debrief with a trusted friend. Meet with a coach to help you become more aware and get clarity around a plan of action. Be honest with your team and invite them to offer their strengths to the situation. They will respect you so much more if you invite them in than if you flounder in the water alone. Don’t try to save yourself!
Just as elite swimmers can find themselves drowning in water, experienced business leaders can find themselves drowning at work. As much as we try to practice good time management, intentional leadership, and holistic self-care, no one is immune to the tidal waves that can surprise and overwhelm us. Be prepared with these three tips, and you’ll get through it.
You’ve got this!
If this article resonates with you, you might find my FREE RESOURCE, “17 Signs Your On the Edge of Burnout,” helpful. Click here to download it for free!
Christy Tennant Krispin, ACC 
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