Understanding the Root Causes of Overwhelm

In my last post, we talked about “Identifying Your Personal and Professional Goals” and how gaining clarity on what we truly want can help us find direction. But even with clear goals, many of us still experience overwhelm—a relentless pressure that can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible. The truth is, having goals is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly move forward, we must also address the hidden forces behind our feelings of overwhelm.

I’ve balanced careers, raised my three kids, and supported my spouse, I know firsthand what it’s like to feel the weight of responsibility. Overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do; it’s about how these responsibilities layer over time and affect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this post, Let’s explore some of the root causes of overwhelm that many of us face as working women and share ways we can start to regain control.

The Intersection of Personal and Professional Overwhelm

One of the most difficult challenges working women face is how our personal and professional responsibilities often overlap. They don’t stay in their separate lanes—work pressures creep into home life, and family duties spill into the workday. It becomes hard to separate the two.

During my years working in small business and in corporate environments, I was often pulled between the demands of work assignments and the responsibilities at home. Add to that, my role as a police officer’s spouse, with the unique stress of supporting a partner whose work involves high risk, unpredictable hours, and what-ifs of public safety, and there were days when it felt like I was constantly on edge, trying to hold everything together. The mental juggling act seemed never-ending.

 Many of you might relate. You may be building your team or working toward a promotion, while also keeping track of family schedules, household duties, and maintaining relationships. Even with a supportive spouse, we often carry the invisible mental checklist of who needs to be where, what needs to be done, and how we’re supposed to make it all happen.

Why Are We So Overwhelmed?

Overwhelm isn’t just a reaction to a busy schedule. It’s often tied to deeper, underlying issues that we don’t always recognize. Let’s take a closer look at some common root causes:

• Perfectionism and Unrealistic Expectations

  Many of us set impossibly high standards, striving to be perfect at work, at home, and everywhere in between—often with a smile. But perfectionism is a trap. It leads to burnout and a constant feeling of inadequacy because no matter how much we do, it never feels like enough.

  I used to feel this way too, trying to balance flawless work projects with keeping my home life running smoothly. But I learned that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Letting go of what’s unnecessary allowed me to ease the weight of overwhelm.

  Adjusting expectations and focusing on what truly matters helps us move forward without burning out.

• Unclear Boundaries
  Boundaries can be hard, especially when we’re juggling so much. Saying “yes” when we mean “no” or taking on more to avoid disappointing others only adds to the overwhelm. I struggled with this—whether it was extra work or family obligations. Saying “no” felt impossible at times.
  
  I realized that setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Protecting our energy and prioritizing what truly matters gave me space to focus on what’s important and feel less overwhelmed. Even small, mindful boundary-setting can make a big difference.

• Competing Priorities
  We often face competing priorities, whether between work and home or our own self-care versus outside demands. This constant pull in different directions leaves us mentally fragmented and exhausted.
  
  I remember days when my husband’s overtime collided with work deadlines and my kids’ schedules. I was constantly putting out fires without making real progress. Aligning priorities with values helped me. Letting go of tasks that don’t serve long-term goals and focusing on what matters most can alleviate that stuck feeling.

• The Invisible Mental Load
  The “mental load” is all the unseen tasks—managing calendars, remembering appointments, keeping up with Amazon deliveries, and keeping life running smoothly. It’s not just the physical tasks, but the emotional burden of keeping everything on track.
  
  I’ve felt this weight, and many other women have shared the same experience. Lightening this load can be as simple as delegating, automating tasks, or giving yourself permission to let things slide. By doing so, we can reduce the constant mental strain and find more balance.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

 There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming overwhelm. But by addressing some of these root causes—perfectionism, lack of boundaries, competing priorities, and the mental load—you can begin to make small but significant changes that help reduce pressure.

Through my personal experience balancing home life, a career, and the unique challenges of a spouse in law enforcement, I’ve learned that we don’t have to carry this load alone. We can build the tools and support systems we need to thrive, even when life feels overwhelming.

 If any of this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Whether it’s setting boundaries, shifting priorities, or finding ways to manage the mental load, these are all steps you can take toward feeling more in control.

 We don’t have to solve everything all at once, but small changes—made with intention—can lead to thoughtful shifts in how we manage our lives. You’re capable of finding that harmony, and I’m here to support you as you move forward. Let’s take it one step at a time, together.

Click here to start your journey towards fulfillment today!

About Brooke Lee

With over 20 years of experience in project management, program management, and operations, Brooke Lee is a dedicated leader who understands the unique pressures faced by corporate women in demanding roles. As a mother of three and the spouse of a law enforcement officer, Brooke knows firsthand the challenges of balancing high-stakes careers with family life. Her deep understanding of leadership, information security, and healthcare industries inspired her to create Clarity On-Demand—a service rooted in both her professional expertise and personal journey, designed to offer overwhelmed women true clarity and a sustainable path to success.