I have always considered myself a consummate multi-tasker. But there are some times when my best laid plans cause me to drown in a sea of ideas, projects and commitments of my own making. And these are the times I can't help but think about Lucille Ball's crazy predicaments. So it is this week (which is the reason I didn't do a post until today) and I find myself asking the eternal question: How did I put myself in this position again?

I'm annoyed because I allowed myself to fall into a well-known trap. You know the one where you think you can accomplish way more than you actually can. But I think I am basing my beliefs that I can get it all done on those times when everything goes right: I have super human energy, pitch perfect timing, the total cooperation of others and there's no full moon. I forget that those times are in fact rare instead of the norm. (Maybe it is the basis of my own comedy show).

But the other reason is that I have forgotten to touch the proverbial bottom of the pool. When I was younger I wouldn't go very far until I knew just how close to the top of my head the water was (even though I was a decent swimmer). That way I knew how much energy I would need to expend to get back to shore and gage my actions accordingly. And I need to find a comparable measure to keep me from this metaphorical drowning (which although not life-threatening can be quite stressful if I don't remember that not getting it all done is not the end of the world—just a recalibration).

I am going to try out a few techniques and let you know how they work (hint: you'll know it didn't work if I say I'm over my head again). In the meantime, tell me what you do when you find yourself in your own version of over your head. Maybe knowing what you do will help me.