As we get further into the fall, closer to the holidays, I’m talking to more and more people who are feeling overwhelmed.
There’s something about October. The fall starts settling in, the new routines become more familiar after a summer of adventures and relaxation (or at least taking the foot off the gas).
The end of the year starts looming, and suddenly the realization hits, yet again, that the fourth quarter is always the shortest quarter, and yet often the one with the biggest ambition.
There’s also the change of season…the days get shorter and the leaves start falling, and we have a natural instinct to be as productive as possible as we prepare for the winter ahead.
Do you feel it, too?
Perhaps you’re like my client who wants to kick off something big in the new year, and she’s realizing that she needs to focus now and do the work to align things to make it happen.
Or maybe you’re like my client who is looking for his next role, feeling the pressure to go all in before the anticipated hiring slow down over the holidays.
Or perhaps you’re like my client who is feeling the tension between slowing down and making things happen, all at the same time.
While there may be a reason for feeling overwhelmed right now, that doesn’t mean you have to lean into it.
Let’s take a step back, for a moment.
What’s the one thing, the most important thing, that you should be focused on right now?
What is one thing that you can take off your plate - deferring, delegating, or deleting it off your to-do list.
What’s one thing you want to say yes to, but know you should deprioritize so you can focus on something more important in this season.
What’s one thing you could do to unblock something important?
What’s one thing that would light you up to take on today?
Consider these “one things”. What’s one thing you want to action right now.
Ok, do it. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
Ok, done? Good.
Now, what’s the next thing you want to action?
Ok, make it happen.
And the next?
Keep going, until what’s on your plate is all, and only, what you want on your plate.
How do you feel, now?
October 22, 2026
About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
Book your free strategy session.
