Overload vs. Overwhelm. What’s the difference?

Here’s the thing: Most of us dread change. We SAY we want change, but we often don’t actually go after it — because we think we dread getting started. But Herman say what is actually keeping us stuck is our fear of not knowing how much pain lies ahead as we attempt to gain the change.

What, to put it plainly, is the required cost?

Our fear — fueled by our subconscious story about who we think we are and what we can achieve — then triggers our “What If?” Monster, and our dread grows, sometimes into catastrophizing.

The reality: Your brain is hardwired to KEEP YOU SAFE. Which means it will try to keep you in your comfort zone because everything outside of it could be a threat.

So how do we grow in a way that feels doable? How do we get past our mental gatekeeper?

One option is to lean into a sports performance principle Herman calls “overload.” Overload, he says, is adding stress, intensity, or challenge to an area of our life at APPROPRIATE levels. That’s the JUICE, people!

Let’s say we want to grow our biceps.

Pop Quiz: Would we be leaning into overload if we buy 20-pound dumbbells?

If we can only complete 10 reps with our 5-pound dumbbell we sure would. Adding 15 extra pounds is likely way too much. But appropriate stress — perhaps 8-pound weights — would provide enough overload to tear down and rebuild our muscle fibers. Growth!

Consistent overload — not overwhelm — is smart compounding. Where are you trying to move too quickly and getting overwhelmed? Dial it back, pronto!

Sheri Bell
Strategic Influence Leadership Coach