How to Cope with Feeling Unfocused or Overwhelmed | Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss shares tips on how to cope with feeling unfocused or overwhelmed.
Learn more about Tim's new book here: tribeofmentors.com
Take 10 seconds and sign up for my free "5-Bullet Friday" newsletter: go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-yt/​ Each Friday, you’ll get a short email from me with five things I've discovered that week, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. 🙌
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/1dSzTkW
About Tim Ferriss:
Tim Ferriss is one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Business People” and an early-stage tech investor/advisor in Uber, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ other companies. He is also the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers: The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors. The Observer and other media have named him “the Oprah of audio” due to the influence of his podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, which has exceeded 200 million downloads and been selected for “Best of iTunes” three years running.
Connect with Tim Ferriss:
Visit the Tim Ferriss PODCAST: bit.ly/2rYjUBr
Visit the Tim Ferriss BLOG: bit.ly/17jDHw3
Like Tim Ferriss on FACEBOOK: on. 1avYUxq
Follow Tim Ferriss on TWITTER: bit.ly/17d94TE
Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2IfH37J
Follow Tim Ferriss on INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2IfH37J

[@timferriss]

Take 10 seconds and sign up for my free "5-Bullet Friday" newsletter: go.tim.blog/5-bullet-friday-yt/ Each Friday, you’ll get a short email from me with five things I've discovered that week, sending you off to your weekend with fun and useful things to ponder and try. 🙌

[@TaraWagner]

I think one of the most important thing to remember is that overwhelm is a symptom of our HABITS, not our TASKS. If we don't look at the patterns that led us there (boundaries, routines, bad habits, mindset, everything), we'll just wind up there again.

[@quityoutube7592]

You are spot on.Very right diagnosis u did there.

[@Redexn]

Well said.

[@goalie511]

Probably the best piece of information I will see all day.

[@BernadetteDoyleTV]

great point Tara

[@MaryamKhan-dj3vq]

Well said 🙂

[@rubym3915]

Had me at “I don’t need to journal about my existential crisis, I need to eat some fucking macadamia nuts.”

[@intentionalliving7326]

Ha ha so good! 😂

[@Eyes_Unclouded]

Same... 😗

[@liamc7097]

Summary of advice: 1. Am I eating enough? Being hungry can ruin your focus, intermittent fasting does not work for everyone. 2. Am I consuming too much caffeine? 3. Meditate twice a day Overwhelmed and unfocused are two different things. Ask yourself these two questions ON PAPER: 80/20 analysis: What are the 20% of activities or people that are producing 80% or more of the results and positive emotional states that I want? 1 or 2 pages. What are the 20% of activities, responsibilities or people that are producing the 80% of pain/headaches/negative emotion states that I don't want? What would this look like if it was easy? How can I use money instead of time to fix this problem? How can I ask other people for help instead of trying to do it all myself? 95% of what you write down will probably be ludicrous. DON'T edit. Within that you might find 1 or 2 gems that save 80% of your headache.

[@jinxjink7457]

Liam C: You are awesomeness!!!! Thank you!!!

[@konkyolife]

Liam C thanks mate.

[@PCdoPC]

Maybe we don't need a summary to a 5-minute video. He has some interesting reasoning to the advice.

[@liamc7097]

@@PCdoPC 107 people disagree with you.

[@PCdoPC]

@@liamc7097 I think that many people just see your comment and click like, without watching the video. I hope that my comment makes some of them watch the whole video.

[@shawnsmith1865]

I have seen many many Tim Ferriss videos and this one hands down has to be one of the most helpful. When he addressed the issue of redlining with putting pressure on yourself that one really unlocked a lot of the mysteries about how I treat myself trying to achieve goals.

[@georgenexa5882]

Bought your book, met a friend (ex) came home late, didnt sleep much, had a big report to submit, stressing out, feeling like a bowl of shitty shit and then I came across this video when i was looking up the book i just bought the night before (it was an impulse buy, knew you as a writer but not about the book) and came across this video. The first two points hit me smack in the head. I didn't have any breakfast, no sleep and a red bull in the morning. No wonder I felt this shitty. Fortunately...It only lasted the rest of the day. Today's tomorrow and its the weekend now. I'm better! I hope.....That report's still not ready.

[@WendiBlum]

What I do to overcome overwhelm on a daily basis is to wake up and write out (or speak out) 3 things I am grateful for, then I meditate and go exercise. From time to time if it gets out of hand I pause and take an entire day and do nothing but rest and reset. After working 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry I know first hand NOTHING is worth trading your health and wellbeing for. Great video..

[@BigMac8000]

This was great. Concise, useful, and meditative. This is something you can use over and over because the outline is the same. I haven't been checking in to this channel in a while, but Tim's starting to figure out the audience. If he trimmed it down even more, no intro, just the 1-2-3-4 steps focused I'd probably flip this video on once a month to review. Having a voice talking through a problem with cantor really helps you change the method of thinking you're in at a given moment, it's coaxing, which makes the idea itself more appetizing - a good idea is important, but the delivery gets it where it needs to go. Great work.

[@lisainnes8280]

I was literally multitasking like a maniac when I put this on....and drinking coffee all morning....when you said, "eat some fucking macadamia nuts," you got me....I sat down, started listening, cut up a fucking apple, and am eating it and feeling much more focused. I hope that makes you laugh, I really heard you today though and I appreciate your simple, practical, immediate steps we can take to regain control....I'm often a freight train charging out of control! Happy New Year!!!

[@realfoodforhumans8172]

This was perfect and totally the reminder I needed today. I'm SO sensitive to caffeine. Anything more than a single shot latte or 3/4 tbs coffee in the morning and I'll feel great for a day or two, then totally spiral into overdrive, anxiety and set myself up for am adrenal crash. You know it's addictive when you find yourself justifying more even though you KNOW it will end in disaster, lol. Also remembering to eat. SO simple, but easy to forget and get caught up in the "existential crisis" once the blood sugar starts crashing. Thanks Tim!!

[@ohsap123]

Thank You Mr. Ferris...I have been learning from you for years; between your books, podcasts, videos, etc., You continue to provide the utmost value. Having just celebrated 6 years of sobriety, I must say when I am feeling overwhelmed or swamped with work, rather than heading to the nearest watering hole - I watch a video like this, and it puts everything right back into perspective. I am not sure whether or not you will check any of the comments, but I did want to Thank You for positively impacting and changing my life over these past years. Please continue with the inspirational work, and All the Best to You. Peace and Respect from the Big Apple.

[@lucascarlucci2100]

Reading your book right now, tools of Titans. Love what you do and what you stand for. A true genuine human being! Much love m8, keep inspiring and motivating other human beings, your doing a great job!

[@brianjones5508]

"If someone put a gun to my dogs head and I had to get my book finished in a week... This would get rid of a lot of fluff." 😂I love how Tim always has unintentional dark humor in his videos :)

[@intentionalliving7326]

Hilarious 😂 but so true 😳😆😂

[@JosephVogel-joseph-vogel]

Bought the Tribe of Mentors, that makes book number two, after buying 4 hour work week, I was introduced to the 4 Hour Work Week, while standing in an airport newsstand looking at all the different options, a girl standing next to me said that she worked for the publisher of the 4 Hour Work Week, from the moment I opened it up I was a fan, everything is to the point and well articulated. Thanks for the amazing content Tim!!

[@mylesdrake4518]

Tim Ferriss. I love you. You have changed my life for the better and you are a serious asset to this world. Now I'm going to meditate thanks to this video :)

[@wwhill8033]

Keep up the great work Tim, loving the book!! Well done and great reading. Thanks

[@isabella9124]

I sometimes find facing fears every day overwhelming. I try meditating and take deep breaths. It can be hard dealing with social phobia so it’s good for me to have some alone time.

[@amandastrutt7413]

This is awesome. Thank you. The 80/20 ...never heard of that before but was completely "oh shite!"when I heard it, can already see how I've been off kiltered. Thanks for your words! Scoping out audible for the Tribe of Mentors now. Much love.

[@TenderBug]

Thanks. These are being very useful facts for me. You're awesome !

[@lazitazen6882]

Thank you so much for reminding me about being or not being in ketosis... That sure matters. Been decreasing caffeine but wasn't enough. I can see why now... Thank you 🌷

[@phosphornaut6811]

Great advice. I absolutely love the question: 'What would this look like if it was easy?'. Absolute beast for disrupting and resurfacing from perfectionist driven, Escherian states of mind.

[@SeeRGeneration]

Short and sweet!.. the biggest help for me has been the last tip... really taking a step back from it all and brain storming the quickest way to accomplish the goal

[@pauredon9191]

This type of videos should be more popular and more viewed

[@christensantschi]

Thank you Tim! I so appreciate all of your insights! They have a deeper impact than you know 🙏❤️

[@themelaniaedwards]

I am really enjoying your latest video series - thank you! Your tip on questioning "what would this look like if it were easy" is a game-changer... it's definitely got me re-thinking how I make decisions. Really excited to see your talk in SF this Thursday :) :)

[@jackrode6105]

Loving the videos Tim. Wold be great to see more in the future, especially if you're travelling! A Tim Ferriss vlog once a week would be unbelievable.

[@yitzymelmed8633]

Absolutely loving these little KZbin clips. Would love to see more... Maybe vlog like.

[@SeeRGeneration]

agreed, these are quick and helpful

[@findingswamy230]

Awesome stoic advice starting at 3:30. Thank you Mr. Ferris!

[@sdjohnsononyoutube]

Thank you for sharing this. I really needed to find this. I did not type this in the search but for some odd reason this popped up. I'm thankful for the strategies.

[@manoloborja388]

Love you Timothy! Already have your book on my list for xmas! My girlfriends parents asked what I wanted and it was a no brainer! Thank you for the constant life changing value! Peace.

[@diane-s3391]

I like these new series you are doing. They are informative and motivating!

[@Skull12o12]

Tim loving the beard, thank you for everything you've done for my life, and many others

[@weardulo]

Tim, love the 80/20 approach :) Not so easy to implement, but once you get into the habit of doing it - it changes things drastically :) Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community! M.

[@Noumenon4Idolatry]

Surprisingly interesting.......seemingly workable...I didn’t expect it to. I Noticed right away some people draining my energy creating allot of problems. I Realized I don’t have to work with these people. I can focus my attention on something else other then the people just taking from me. Found myself being more productive almost immediately while intuitively knowing what to do next without thinking. I’m always trying to fix things constantly with some of these people I find draining.

[@HexaAngel]

Hi Tim! The advice in this video has been surprisingly helpful and has really given me a bit of a breakthrough! Especially the part about the 80/20 rule. Although I'm familiar with the concept, I had never thought of it in terms of my positive feelings and emotions before. In the past year I have been battling generalized anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, and as soon as you suggested the question of which 20% of actions lead to 80% of positive emotional states, I realized that I am happiest while/after I face my fears. I avoid doing this all the time, because of my fear of having a panic attack in public or something bad happening, but in truth, every single time I go out and do something that I am afraid of, I come back home having had an amazing day and feeling very proud, happy, and accomplished. Even if I do have a panic attack, while it does dampen the mood a little bit, I still feel proud of myself for "surviving" it and for pushing through and not letting the fear control me. So thank you so much for this groundbreaking EUREKA moment! I'll be sure to put it to good use. You're all about optimization--so why not optimize my recovery? :)

[@greentara291]

That's a helpful, real world example. Thank you!

[@raulmoses1715]

Thanks you so much I needed this tips now.

[@Illfection]

Thank you, I needed to hear this

[@rozzahudson9585]

Thank you as always Tim

[@funguy29]

Thank you. You nailed it.

[@alexanderieronimo8086]

I like the “What if it were easy?” question. For a long time, I felt like I wasn’t trying hard enough if I wasn’t feeling some sense of stress. Which I now know is irrational.

[@marthaskelly1449]

The last question is fantastic for the habit of expecting a 'good old' struggle - what'd this look like if it was easy? - Thank you very much for this. Blessings, Martha

[@kikiejx]

Thanks so much for this video, needed this right now! :)

[@MiguelExhale]

Coffee ☕️ makes me super anxious but also motivated.

[@deifor]

I'm getting a little fed up with Tim Ferriss but I have to thank him for this one. I am suffering major feelings of anxiety, chrinic fatigue and overall bad mood, and I think coffee is the culprit. I drink way to much of it (5 to 6, sometimes more cups of espresso). It's hard to cut back a few cups even but I'll try it if it helps.

[@valterescrivao1515]

You are tremendously smart ! Thank you

[@aukngug1773]

Thanks for sharing Tim :)

[@makeaneffort3775]

Thank you Tim!

[@himanshuranjan83]

Loved it. Super helpful .. Thanks a lot tim

[@bumble8588]

You are brilliant!!!!!! Yours is the only answer on UTube that I have found to help solve the overwhelm issue! Thank you so much! God bless you!

[@CourtneyLSanders]

Great content in such a short time! Thanks for your insights!

[@hashali]

thank you sir, i needed this

[@kimrobinson4442]

Wow! I've been replacing food with Caffeine for Lent and after a week I've been feeling overwhelmed 😅 thanks for pointing this out.

[@krmanalo2043]

I love this look on you, Tim.

[@cyrusjulian187]

Thanks for sharing this man.

[@FoXWoR]

Thank You.

[@thatkeendude8384]

What is up with some of the idiotic comments on these clips? I for one love these clips. Glad Tim’s doing these. Obviously there’s a promotional angle to this, but I’m not hating. Keep it up, Tim.

[@misshyperkittie]

Am I eating enough and caffeine is very often overlooked in my family! Good stuff, love the short videos and pragmatic advice.

[@thewellnesstheory]

Hi Sharon, you can also check our video on "How to Deal with Overwhelm" @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZuUlaGthauma7c In this video you will discover what overwhelm is, how to recognize it when it shows up, and what not to do with it. Hope you will find this video helpful.

[@ElleKarpos]

I love taking some L-theanine with my coffee - it lets you have the energy boost sans the anxious feeling. Instead of getting that feeling of maybe being a little agitated you end up in a really productive, calm and focused state. I also take it for anxiety in general, I’ve found it to be the best natural supplement to help with that and stress, have been using it for about 3 years now.

[@suzana_grau]

Excellent gem!! Thank you!💖

[@Wisagapi]

Thank you.

[@befitwithghica4427]

Thanks Tim, will apply , seems useful

[@laneewert]

Yes & yes I will always look for the hard way as if it makes whatever it is more justifiable 👍

[@luckyone9473]

Thank you Mr. Tim Ferriss, that hit the spot; Sometimes we already know but we need to hear it from someone else. BTW I think it was great that you were on Jocko's 100th podcast. Peace

[@ChrisHargrave23]

Intro sequence is super nice. Glad to see the production quality of your videos rising to match the quality of the content! :)

[@missmjl2468]

Sometimes you just need someone to point out the obvious... i have crept up to 6 cups of strong coffee a day, no wonder! What a calming voice tim has. Thanks

[@EdgarMedina]

Thank you Tim, I think is very important to value the task that we are doing on this very moment in order to get focus, just do the task whatever it is.

[@thewellnesstheory]

Hi Edgar, you may also want to check our video on How To Deal With Overwhelm at kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZuUlaGthauma7c In this video you will discover what overwhelm is, how to recognize it when it shows up, and what not to do with it. Most importantly you’ll have 5 simple steps that you can immediately to feel relief from overwhelming.

[@Fx220]

Amazing one! Thank you so much

[@PhilZero]

For coffee addicts like me who always need a warm beverage within reach while they work, try some different teas. I’ve found a white tea and a decaffeinated black tea that works best for me and it’s amazing how much of a difference you feel from cutting back on that caffeine

[@littlegiantprod]

Hola. I find some to feel overwhelmed by consuming information overload. So I would say that funnel out what works and doesn't work. Gracias por todo.

[@luckyone9473]

Maritza Diaz Eres una dama muy bella.

[@reyg.8468]

Maritza Diaz Eso si tienes razon. Has escuchado a Tim en podcast con Jocko Willink? Te lo recomiendo.

[@domzbu]

Muy mucho sexy mama

[@chiuchiutrain]

I’ve revisited this video multiple times over the past two years, good stuff Tim

[@thewellnesstheory]

Hi, you may also want to check our video on How To Deal With Overwhelm at kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZuUlaGthauma7c In this video you will discover what overwhelm is, how to recognize it when it shows up, and what not to do with it. Most importantly you’ll have 5 simple steps that you can immediately to feel relief from overwhelming.

[@dennisgordon7767]

I am actually more alert BUT also more clear in my thinking when I am hungry and skipped a meal. Food numbs you (usually), but sometimes its good to have that real alertness - when every smell is crisp, etc.

[@ninaa8218]

Thanks Tim x

[@peternese4750]

Thank you Tim!!!! :)

[@tanmaypanadi1414]

Bought it (tribe of mentors) starting my journey thanks For the book

[@JessBess]

What are the 20% of activities or people that are producing 80% or more results of positive emotional states? What are the 20% of activities, responsibility and people that are producing 80% or more of the pain, headache and the negative emotional states that I prefer not to have? What would this look like if it were easy?

[@martincortes702]

Thank you for writing those questions

[@MetalBum]

I love you.

[@colinwoodruff2725]

Surfing and my wife and daughter= positive mental status.

[@Xm.zer0]

coffee and perhaps messy diet? also, i guess my anxiety hits every now and then. but the A student part gets to me as i tend to always "work hard" and now im having courses that are less hectic i tend to leave things last minute, hopefully, i won't repeat mistakes again as im noticing my patterns . good vid thanks.

[@joaor.canabrava2009]

Great content, thoughts are very well put together! Very helpful 👍🏻

[@DanyIsDeadChannel313]

You're a God amongst men

[@ison742]

Awesome video Tim. Coincidentally, I just decided to cut out caffeine yesterday. I allow myself 1 serving in the morning ( I usually have 3) and then cut it out the rest of the day! The dreams last night were wild!

[@raquelgarcia5046]

Thank you tim ❤🌍

[@joseamaro9363]

You're awesome Tim. Bought Tools of Titans. Tribe of Mentors is definitely next.

[@shoaibkahut]

Greetings from *CHINA* Tim ! You are an amazing soul

[@user-ow5nf1og3j]

Tim, love your work man, you're a legend. I'd just like to add to the part about nutrition, I totally understand what you're saying on being unfocused when you're energy deprived, and indeed the Keto diet can combat this kind of mental environment. But I believe that something amazing is happening in your body when you're deep into fat burning mode, AND fasting. At least from my experience, I've never been as focused as I am right now ever in my life. Having been on 10+- grams of carbs a day for the last 5 weeks, a diet abundant in high quality fats (red meat, nuts, butter, dark chocolate, coconut oil, eggs, sardines), I often go on longer fasts, 18+ hours, and at the midst of those fasts my brain is like a machine, I understand pretty much everything I consume. It's only lately that I've realised all of the above. Combining it with meditation 2 a day really makes life heaven on earth, I'm amazed by what this habit can do to ones mind and life.

[@aayushr.s4670]

Quit meat it would get better

[@RobertF-]

Good point about not drinking too much coffee. One thing also I think is that caffeine lowers one's magnesium levels, so taking a magnesium vitamin pill can help take the edge off the coffee jitters. I've tried it and it seems to help.

[@carlainsensed3858]

Called me out on '...journaling on my existential..." Good stuff on finding gems in writing those 80/20s.

[@zgoombah1308]

Phenomenal advice.

[@emilygowor]

Great advice!

[@brookesmith4018]

So good! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Tim! Have you ever heard of Matthew Kelly? Would love to see you interview him.

[@RyanMacNeil]

Thanks you!

[@user-oj1bc1dv7c]

Loving it. I really wonder why this vid has only 490 comments.. One of the best life lessons

[@LakdhesSelvan]

Tanx u Tim.

[@camillelambert5474]

It takes a genius to give simple advice.

[@susanchagalian8334]

OMG! this may be the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.

[@franetica123]

The intro was overwhelming.... lol. Thank you. Very informative video.

[@noamanzahid3513]

Tim! keep up the good work ☺

[@zahrazakariya]

Loved that last question most! "What would this look like if it was easy"?

[@AliMohebali.]

This was great, as expected . :D Thanks tim

[@TheKatrinaRuthShow]

Love the content!

[@RaymondBurton]

If I hadn’t come across this video, I would not have known about the book. I want the book, I’ve ordered the book, and that’s what good advertising is. Getting the attention of people that may want what you have to offer.

[@SAba-tm6df]

I agree with the 80/20 principle on both ways. But the look easy part could easily have an opposite effect. The fact that I have to visualize the task being easy implies that it is in fact hard, this feeds into more overwhelming till lose of control. I guess all tactics of self mastery come with two sides. I find it very difficult to find advices so cast in stone that one can give them. Btw: keep up the good work