How to Stop Overestimating the Time It Takes to Complete Tasks and Stay on Track
As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) and introvert entrepreneur, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overestimating what you can accomplish in a given time frame. The excitement of starting a new task or the pressure to meet certain deadlines can make you imagine you’ll get everything done perfectly and on time.
But when reality hits and you find yourself falling short, the feelings of overwhelm and stress can be overwhelming. You might feel like you’re constantly running behind, unable to keep up with the demands of your business and your life. This sense of not measuring up can be discouraging and leave you feeling defeated.
The Realities of Visualizing Tasks vs. Actual Accomplishment
I often find myself visualizing the completion of a task, picturing every step I’ll take, and imagining how satisfying it will be to check it off my list. However, more often than not, the task ended up taking much longer than I expected.
This discrepancy between what I imagined and what I actually accomplished leaves me feeling discouraged, annoyed, and sometimes even defeated. I start questioning my abilities and wonder why I can’t seem to keep up with the goals I set for myself. It’s a frustrating cycle that repeats itself far too often, leaving me exhausted and demotivated.
Avoiding the Comparison Trap: Tips for HSPs and Introverts
The comparison trap is another challenge that I, and many other HSPs and introverts, face. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others, especially when you see people around you, including other HSPs and introverts, completing tasks faster and seemingly with more ease.
I’ve found myself feeling left behind, not smart enough, and even irresponsible at times when I compare my progress to theirs. It’s as if everyone else has figured out a secret formula for success that I’m missing out on. This comparison only adds to the feelings of inadequacy and fuels the sense of being overwhelmed.
The Benefits of Internal Processing: Embracing Your Unique Pace
What frustrates me the most is that despite putting in just as much effort and dedication as others, my results often come more slowly. This slower pace can give the impression that I’m not working as hard or that I’m less committed to my goals, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
I pour my heart and soul into my work, but the outcomes don’t always reflect the level of effort I’ve invested. It’s disheartening to see others achieve their goals quickly while I’m still plugging away, trying to make progress.
“This disparity between effort and results can make me feel like I’m not cut out for the entrepreneurial journey.”
However, I’ve come to realize that the pace at which I work is not a reflection of my commitment or abilities. As a highly sensitive person and introvert, I tend to engage in a lot of internal processing, deep thinking, and reflecting before I take action.
This internal work is crucial to my success, but it’s not always visible to others, which can make it seem like I’m not as productive as I actually am.
Understanding this about myself has helped me to be more patient and compassionate with myself when my progress is slower than I’d like.
Managing Societal Pressures: Finding a Sustainable Work Rhythm
I believe that overestimating how long it takes to complete something often happens because we compare ourselves to the way society expects things to be done. We live in a fast-paced world that celebrates hustle and constant productivity.
The prevailing message is that if you’re not working hard and achieving results quickly, you’re falling behind.
This societal pressure can be overwhelming, especially for HSPs and introverts who naturally operate at a different pace. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle mentality and feel like you need to push yourself harder and faster to keep up with everyone else.
But the truth is, this approach is not sustainable, especially for those of us who are more sensitive and introverted. I used to get really down when I compared myself to others and felt like I was always falling short. I would push myself to work faster, often sacrificing my well-being in the process.
While I could get things done quickly, it usually led to negative consequences like fatigue, burnout, and stress. The fatigue was particularly debilitating, often knocking me down for at least a week, which didn’t help me in the long run. It was a vicious cycle that left me feeling drained and discouraged.
Embracing a Pace That Feels Good
Now, I’ve come to recognize the importance of working at a pace that feels good for my body and mind. I’ve learned that while I can push myself to get things done quickly, it’s not worth the negative consequences that follow.
Instead, I’ve started to embrace a slower, more intentional approach to my work. This doesn’t mean that I’m any less committed or dedicated to my goals—in fact, it’s quite the opposite. By honoring my natural pace, I’m able to sustain my energy and focus over the long term, which ultimately leads to better results.
Sometimes, I still catch myself resisting the urge to slow down. The old habits of pushing myself to work faster are hard to break, especially when I’m feeling the pressure to meet deadlines or keep up with others. But when I do allow myself to slow down, I never regret it.
“Slowing down helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and it allows me to enjoy the process of working on my business.”
It’s a mindset shift that has made a huge difference in how I approach my work and how I feel about myself as an entrepreneur.
A Practical Mindset Shift for Highly Sensitive Persons and Introverted Entrepreneurs
One of the most practical changes I’ve made is to work in phases over a longer period. Instead of trying to get everything done at once, I break my tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
This phased approach gives me extra time and space, allowing me to work at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable. It also helps me avoid the trap of overestimating what I can accomplish in a single day, which reduces the feelings of overwhelm and stress.
Working in phases also means that I have more room for white space in my schedule. This white space is crucial for me as an HSP and introvert because it gives me the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and process everything I’m working on.
“It’s during these moments of white space that I’m able to gain clarity and insight, which helps me make better decisions and move forward with more confidence.”
This approach has not only improved my productivity but has also made my work more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Overestimating what you can accomplish in a given time frame is a common challenge for a highly sensitive person and introverted entrepreneurs. It can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress, and discouragement, especially when you compare yourself to others who seem to be moving at a faster pace.
But by recognizing your unique strengths as an HSP and introvert, and by adopting a more sustainable approach to your work, you can break free from this cycle.
Remember, it’s not about how fast you can get things done—it’s about working at a pace that honors your body and mind. By embracing your natural pace, you’ll not only reduce stress and overwhelm but also create a more fulfilling and sustainable path to success. So, give yourself permission to slow down, take breaks, and work in phases. Your well-being and your business will thank you for it.
RECAP with solutions:
Overestimating Task Completion: Feeling overwhelmed when tasks take longer than expected is common. Solution: Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and set realistic deadlines to match your natural pace.
Visualizing vs. Reality: Imagining quick task completion can lead to frustration when reality doesn’t match. Solution: Set aside extra time for each task to account for unexpected delays and avoid discouragement.
The Comparison Trap: Comparing yourself to others can make you feel inadequate. Solution: Focus on your unique strengths and progress, and remind yourself that everyone works at their own pace.
Impact of Internal Processing: The slow pace of deep thinking can be mistaken for a lack of effort. Solution: Communicate your internal process to others and recognize that thorough internal work is valuable for long-term success.
Societal Pressures: The hustle mentality can lead to burnout. Solution: Embrace a phased approach to work, allowing time for rest and recovery, and prioritize well-being over constant productivity.
Call to Action Questions:
What strategies can you implement today to align your task planning with your natural pace and reduce overwhelm?"
How can you refocus from comparing yourself to others and leverage your unique strengths as an HSP or introvert in your entrepreneurial journey?
