Signs You Are Overwhelmed by Change and How to Fix It

Change is inevitable—especially if you’re an executive juggling multiple projects, teams, and organizational shifts. But sometimes, the sheer volume of change can become exhausting. If you’re feeling burnt out, stuck, or constantly playing catch-up, you might be experiencing change saturation. Let’s break it down, using a familiar scenario.

Meet Alex, the Overworked Executive

Imagine Alex, a busy executive managing five projects at once. Just this year, the company rolled out three new tools, introduced hybrid work policies, and reorganized leadership structures. Every time Alex gets a handle on one change, another pops up. Sound familiar? If so, read on to identify the warning signs.

Signs You Are Overwhelmed by Change

1. Constant Fatigue and Decision Paralysis

Alex used to thrive on challenges but now feels permanently drained. Even small decisions—like approving a new vendor or choosing a meeting time—feel exhausting. This is a classic sign of change fatigue.

2. Decreased Productivity

Instead of making significant progress, Alex spends more time adjusting to new workflows, catching up on emails, and troubleshooting unexpected roadblocks. If this sounds like you, your efficiency may be taking a hit due to constant change.

3. Resistance to More Change (Even Good Ones!)

A normally adaptable person, Alex now dreads company-wide emails announcing “exciting new enhancements.” If even beneficial changes feel overwhelming, it could be a sign of change saturation.

4. Increased Stress and Irritability

Leaders need to be calm and collected, but Alex finds himself snapping at colleagues and struggling to focus. When you’re overwhelmed, patience wears thin—impacting both your mindset and team dynamics.

5. Feeling Disconnected from the Big Picture

Alex once enjoyed strategizing and driving innovation. But lately, keeping up with change consumes all his energy, making it difficult to stay aligned with long-term goals.

How to Fix It

1. Prioritize and Filter Changes

Not every change needs your immediate attention. Identify which initiatives matter most and delegate or delay as needed.

2. Build a Change Management Plan

Structured frameworks can help manage change more effectively. If your organization lacks a formal approach, consider frameworks like these best practices to stay ahead.

3. Strengthen Your Personal Resilience

Managing change is a skill. Build your resilience by:

• Setting boundaries to protect your energy and time.
• Focusing on self-care—sleep, exercise, and mindfulness can help.
• Connecting with mentors or peers who can offer support and perspective.

4. Keep Learning and Stay Updated

Staying ahead of industry best practices can make navigating change easier. If you’re looking to strengthen your project management skills and earn PDUs towards your certification renewal, check out KavitaSharma.net for a 60 PDU course designed to align with PMI’s Talent Triangle.

Final Thoughts

Change is challenging, but it shouldn’t leave you burnt out. By recognizing the signs of change saturation early and taking proactive steps, you can continue leading effectively—without drowning in constant transitions.

Feeling stuck in change overload? Take a deep breath, prioritize, and tackle one thing at a time. You’ve got this!