If there are more than three things I really want to work on, I choose three to start - and tuck rest away in my "idea box."

Two benefits from this one.

First, I can avoid overwhelm by limiting number of projects I'm working on at any one time.

Even better, I always have something to look forward to. And that's a great incentive for me to finish my active projects!

3 - Prioritize

Hey, I know, I know. When you're overwhelmed, prioritizing your projects may seem next to impossible.

So I'm not suggesting that you work out your priority list for next several months - or even then next couple of days.

Keep it simple.

Just decide which project you're going to tackle first. You don't have to actually do anything. Just decide what you'll do first.

You'll be totally amazed at how much energy that'll free up for you!

4 - Toss something off your list

Which projects can go?

Someone once suggested a rule to me that's worked pretty well, so I'll share:

Every project you work on should have at least three benefits to you or your business.

For example, this newsletter helps me build smART artist community, and it gives me opportunity to write regularly (I love to write, so that's a personal benefit).

It's a great way to share information with fellow artists.

And newsletter also provides a forum for announcing whatever new stuff I'm working on.

So those are my three (okay, four...) benefits.

Next time you're overwhelmed, look at projects on your list. Which will benefit you in at least three ways? They're keepers.

And projects that don't have three benefits? Toss 'em!

Once you're out of overwhelm, come back to projects you put aside, and see if you're perfectly happy without them - or if you'd like to tweak them so they do have three benefits for you.

5 - Come back from future

Ever notice how overwhelm is usually all about future?

What you'll do after...

What'll happen when...

How you'll feel if you can't...

How horrible it'll be if you don't...

How soon they'll find out that you...

Stop, stop, STOP!

Take a deep breath, and get a feel for where you are now.

Where are you sitting? What's around you? Are there any particular sensations in your body? Are you warm, or cool? Can you see outside? Are you alone? With others?

Notice what's going on right now. In this moment.

And from this space, think of projects you'd like to work on. (Chances are they'll be a lot less scary, and not at all overwhelming.)

Where would you like to start?

From "now," you can go absolutely anywhere you like!

Best-selling author and coach Kathy Gulrich helps clients get from 'idea' to 'action' to 'results' more quickly, and more easily - whether they're looking to write a book, develop a new product, or market their product or business.

2 - Take one small action every day

Most worthwhile goals aren't achieved overnight. So it's helpful to find ways to keep your momentum going. Suggestion? Every single day, do at least one thing that will get you closer to your goal.

• Make a phone call

• Find an organization that can help, and ask for information

• Write in your journal

• Read about your goal

• Keep a chart of your progress

• Make a list of your successes

• Join an online support group

• Pat yourself on back (or get someone else to pat you on back!)

Don't let a day go by without doing something - even a teensy weensy little something - toward your goal. You'll find it really adds up.

3 - Get word out

Over and over, research has shown that people who tell others about their goals are more successful at achieving them. So don't keep it to yourself - tell world what you're up to!

Share your struggles, and your successes. Ask for help when you need it. Even better, help someone else achieve their goal. Find as many ways as you can to broadcast your commitment.

Are you going to stumble along way? Maybe so. But if you've got right goal - and right tools - you'll get there.

And with any luck at all, you'll be there long before it's time to make your resolutions for next year.

Best-selling author and coach Kathy Gulrich helps clients get from 'idea' to 'action' to 'results' more quickly, and more easily - whether they're looking to write a book, develop a new product, or market their product or business.