Ever have one of those days in which every time you try to accomplish even one simple task, it takes entirely too long? First, you try to send an email and end up second guessing your wording a dozen times. You completely lose your message and end up writing a soliloquy on some inconsequential point. An hour later, you send it to a co-worker for help and she simplifies your words and provides a much more powerful note in about five minutes.

Next on your roster is a client call, which typically lasts less than an hour. But for some reason, the client jumps down a tangential rabbit hole. So, 90 ninety minutes later, you still haven’t gone over the mission-critical items. It is now 1:00 p.m., you haven’t had lunch. And you wonder how you will get the remainder of your work done – including satiating yourself – in just four short hours.

Well guess what: you’re not alone. I am not sure if it makes you feel any better about the marathon afternoon you face, but at least you can rest assured that those types of bad days happen to us all. The most important things to remember at this point are that you are only one person, and you are most likely part of a team that can help support you. So even if it is against your nature, ask for help!

You may think that you’re the only person that can accomplish 90 percent of your workload, and you’re probably right. But leaning on your team members for support when you need it will only solidify your bond. Then they will learn you’re not superhuman and understand they can count on you when they need to. It’s okay to become overwhelmed. But true leaders don’t drown in the moment. They overcome it.

So if today is one of those days or if tomorrow is looking pretty grim from your anticipated workload – take a deep breath – and begin to delegate and prioritize. You may be surprised by what you learn from your team – and about yourself.

Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much. (Helen Keller)