During the women’s gymnastics Olympic team final, one of the commentators mentioned that Aly Raisman doesn’t feel pressure because she doesn’t label it that way. She labels it excitement.

Labels matter. We all feel pressures and emotions, but we get to choose the labels we use.

If you have lots of work to do and dead lines creeping up on you, you can choose to feel overwhelmed or you can choose to feel in control.

If you choose to be overwhelmed, you talk about having too much to do and not enough time. You think about and mention all the disruptions and stress. You hope, unrealistically, for better luck tomorrow. You are a victim of your circumstances.

Well, I have news for you. There is ALWAYS too much to do. There is NEVER enough time. Disruptions and chaos are natural occurrences. If you don’t accept these realities, you will ALWAYS feel overwhelmed. You will remain a victim.

If you choose to be in control, you think about priorities. You handle or dismiss interruptions quickly. You focus on the important things. You do what you can do and make the best of circumstances. You don’t use phrases like “not enough time” and “too much to do.” You aren’t a victim, you take control, and you are in control.

Choose “busy and efficient” instead of “overwhelmed.” You’ll be more successful and have something in common with an Olympian.