The results are in!
your overwhelm type is:
The Pillar / Carrier
This means:
When you’re in your full power, you’re a Pillar of strength.
When overwhelm strikes, this can tip over into becoming a Carrier of other people's loads.
Let's Dig Deeper...
The Pillar -
You, sweet friend, are a pillar of strength and dedication. You’re diligent and driven, and your work ethic is nothing short of impressive.
Throughout your life, you've set an example to those around you. It's clear you carry a profound sense of duty to others, always striving to do what's right and make the world a better place in your own unique way.
You are not one to sit back and wait for things to happen — oh no! You're a go-getter, seizing opportunities and taking the initiative to get things done. Even though this may seem like no big deal to you (because it's such a natural part of who you are), it's actually a remarkable trait that sets you apart from many.
Even as a kid, you were the one who was trusted with responsibilities far beyond your years. You carried them out with such maturity, turning heads and gaining respect. And that strength and diligence still echo in your actions today.
The Carrier -
When overwhelm hits, the boundaries get blurred and you might start taking responsibility for everyone else’s stuff — hello, Carrier mode.
Like Atlas with the weight of the world on his back, you shoulder everyone else's worries, problems, and responsibilities. You absorb their stress, feel accountable for all of it, and eventually become overwhelmed by the massive pressure.
You may find your thoughts consumed with concern for your loved ones. You feel an immense obligation to 'fix' their problems, as if their happiness solely depends on your actions. It's also likely that you struggle to relax until everyone else in your household is content and well.
You do such a good job of holding everything together that the cracks can be overlooked by all but the keenest observers. But even Atlas needed to let go of the weight sometimes…
Spoiler alert
Learning how to channel your remarkable strength and inspirational sense of duty without taking on stuff that isn't really yours is crucial for breaking your unique overwhelm cycle.
The goal isn’t to deny any of the parts that make you you. Instead, we want to help you find ways to thrive, so that you don’t keep defaulting to the patterns that deplete you and get you stuck in survival mode.
Red Flags for the
Pillar / Carrier
Look out for these warnings signs that you’re headed for overwhelm:
Your worry-levels are in overdrive. You might even start feeling physically sick with worry.
You’ve stopped caring for yourself in order to care for other people.
You feel crushed by the weight of the world. A sad news story can derail your whole morning, and when you hear about humanity’s problems (war, environmental crises, humanitarian issues) you feel a personal sense of responsibility to fix them.
3 Simple steps to stop the slide into overwhelm
Or to climb back out if you're deep in it!
1.
Learn how to say no!
You’re already carrying a huge load, so we need to make sure that you’re not taking on anything else. The next time someone asks you to do something, try this on for size:
“I really appreciate you asking me, but I’m already at capacity. I know you’ll find someone else who can give this the time and energy it deserves.”
2.
Raise the expectations you have of the people around you.
You’re so good at carrying other people’s loads that they might have willingly leaned into it. If so, it might be time for a recalibration — is it time for a sit-down discussion on everyone’s roles and responsibilities in your home?
3.
Reach out for support.
As someone who’s highly capable and used to doing everything themselves, this might feel like foreign territory. But asking for help can make a huge difference — it’s worth pushing through your discomfort!
Think of a task that someone else might be able to take off your plate — a sports drop-off? Cooking dinner for you? Taking the kids for a few hours? Help is often more available than we think, if only we’re brave enough to ask for it.
Be gentle with yourself on this journey. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your overwhelm.
But by taking small, simple steps in the right direction, you can make a BIG difference to how you feel day to day.
How does all that feel, lady?
Does it resonate? Does it hit home? Do you feel seen?!
It’s important to remember, our Overwhelm Type isn’t who we are, it’s just the pattern we get stuck in when overwhelm hits.
It’s also not set in stone: there are SO many steps you can take to turn the tables on overwhelm and get back in control — with ease, on your own terms, in your own time.
I’ll be sharing some simple but genius strategies with you in your inbox over the next few weeks, so stay very tuned.
In the meantime, if you’re itching to dive deeper straight away, you can check out the podcast links below.
Sending love!
Lisa xx
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want to learn more about overwhelm?
There's a podcast episode for that!
Want to see if another Overwhelm Type is a better fit?
explore the other types:
The Strategist/ Overanalyser
The Organiser/ Busy Bee
The Nurturer/ Overgiver
The Pillar/ Carrier
The Leader/ Perfectionist
About Lisa Corduff
Hey! I’m Lisa. I’ve spent the past 10 years working with tens of thousands of women to create real and lasting change in their lives using practical mindset strategies (and a stack of inspiration!)
I know what it’s like to have a lot on your plate — I’m a solo mum to three small humans, as well as an entrepreneur and podcaster.
So you can bet that everything I share is stuff that’s simple and doable (no matter what season of life you’re in).
Oh, and also? It freaking works. #thankgoodness