216 - Feeling Overwhelmed? Start Small

Big goals are intimidating. But breaking them into smaller steps makes them achievable. Here’s how:

Start With the Simplest Action
Instead of thinking about the entire project, focus on the tiniest, easiest step. If your goal is to clean your house, don’t aim for perfection. Just throw out the trash. If you want to start exercising, do one push-up. The key is to start so small you can’t possibly fail.

Use the Snowball Effect
Once you complete a small task, you’ll feel motivated to do another. This builds momentum. When I cleaned my childhood home, I started with the bathroom because it was small. That small success encouraged me to keep going.

Make It a Habit
Small steps aren’t just about getting things done—they’re about forming habits. Productivity expert BJ Fogg recommends starting with "tiny habits" so small they become second nature. For example, if you want to floss daily, just start by flossing one tooth. Once the habit is established, it naturally expands.

Adjust Based on Your Life
One of the best things about small steps is that they fit into any schedule. When I was busy with school and caregiving, my steps were extra tiny. During summer, I could do a little more. The key is consistency, not intensity.

Stack Small Steps Over Time
Over time, small steps compound into big change. When I started focusing on weight loss, I didn’t immediately jump into an intense fitness routine. Instead, I started walking more, eating slightly healthier, and making gradual adjustments. Now, I’m in a much better place—because I built my success in layers.

Why Small Steps Work for Every Part of Life
The beauty of small steps is that they apply to anything:

✅ Health & Fitness: Couch to 5K programs work by gradually increasing running time. Small steps make exercise sustainable.
✅ Cleaning & Organization: Cleaning one small area at a time prevents burnout and keeps spaces manageable.
✅ Work & Productivity: Tackling one email, one meeting, or one task at a time creates steady progress.
✅ Mental Health & Personal Growth: One mindful moment, one journal entry, or one deep breath can make all the difference.

Life keeps moving while you take small steps. You don’t have to put everything else on hold—you can still enjoy hobbies, family, and rest while making steady progress toward your goals.

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/216-feeling-overwhelmed-start-small/

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