I can't believe I've almost kicked the caffeine beast. I thought this would be harder than smoking, really. I don't feel lethargic, at least no more than normal. I don't feel brain-dead. I can't say I feel markedly better, but I trust in the long run that this is better for me.

I had a conversation with someone recently whereby they expressed feeling overwhelmed by the many things they had on their plate.

Here's what works for me:

1. Make a list of everything I can think of that has to be dealt with in the next 2 weeks.
2. To prioritize, consider the consequences of not doing each task. Put the task with the direst consequences on top, and the ones with no consequences at the bottom.
3. Break each task into smaller parts. If the task is "get new car insurance," it can be broken down into "call companies X, Y, and Z for rates," "choose company," "get copy of title," etc.
4. Start on the smallest task you can handle. Set your microwave timer for 15 minutes, and just do it. Let the phone ring. Don't turn on the TV. Don't check your e-mail. You'll almost definitely build up enough momentum to keep going once the timer goes off.
5. Accept that some things towards the bottom of the list just won't get done. Failure to dust the lampshades does not have dire consequences. Forgive yourself. The focus is on getting the important, nasty, stressful things out of the way first. The lampshades are merely a distraction keeping you from facing what you need to do.