3-2-1 | Screenwriting Thursday - Overwhelm
We had a great question in NoonWriters this week about handling overwhelm:
“How do you deal with overwhelm, I want to be informed in the news, but I’m finding it hard sometimes to focus on my goals”
I want to take some time to focus in on this because honestly I think it is so pervasive and deserves our time and attention.
If we haven’t talked 1-on-1 yet, I would love to offer you a free 20 minute coaching session in exchange for answering a few market research questions!
There’s no pressure or sales (I don’t bring up my services unless you do) and people see real results after just this meeting!
(Hot tip: use it to set a game plan for writing in 2026!)
3 TIPS FROM ME
I.
IF YOU’RE FEELING OVERWHELMED
FIRST, TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODYBefore you even pick up a pen, do this:
☐ Drink a full glass of water.
☐ Check in: Do you have a headache, jaw tension, body aches?
☐ If appropriate for you, take a pain reliever (pain relievers work on mood too!)
☐When did you last eat? If it has been more than 3–4 hours, get a snack with some protein or fat.
☐ Take 5 slow breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. (I know you want to skip this, but DO IT, trust me.)
II.
OVERWHELM ISN’T A MORAL FAILING. IT’S AN ATTENTION PROBLEM.
Writers tend to interpret overwhelm as “I’m not cut out for this.” That’s false. Overwhelm is usually just too many inputs trying to grab your attention at the same time.
Nothing is wrong with you. You’re just running too many tabs. It’s time to ex out of a few.
III.
MOST NEWS CONSUMPTION IS ENGINEERED FOR ADDICTION. TREAT IT LIKE A SUBSTANCE.
You’re smart. You’re well read. But it’s still easy to forget sometimes that the modern news cycle is a profit model. It’s not designed to inform you efficiently; it’s designed to keep your amygdala lit so you stay glued to the feed.
If you still want to stay informed, get off social media and try checking out Ground News for a healthier option.
How do you really feel after binging the news? Do you feel positive, motivated, ready to fulfill your civic duties? Or do you feel worn out, defeated, drained, sad, outraged, overwhelmed?
If ‘staying informed’ is just making you feel like shit, it isn’t productive.
Try skewing towards long form weekly check-ins. Limit your screen time. Delete or at least remove the most problematic apps from your home screen. Strike a balance that works for you, not against you.
2 QUOTES FROM OTHERS
I.
Cal Newport, Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University and author of DEEP WORK and SLOW PRODUCTIVITY:
“We've become so used to the idea that the only reward for getting better is moving toward higher income and increased responsibilities that we forget that the fruits of pursuing quality can also be harvested in the form of a more sustainable lifestyle.”
II.
Anne Lamott, prolific author author, perhaps best known for her novel BIRD BY BIRD:
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
1 QUESTION FOR YOU
What is the harsh story your brain is telling about you right now? How would a wise friend tell that same story differently?
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https://www.kategaulke.com/blog/3-2-1-screenwriting-thursday/december-4-2025
Until next week,
Kate Gaulke
Writing Coach & Script Coverage
