If It Still Feels Overwhelming, It’s Not Small Enough Yet

Sometimes requires us to complete tasks that feel so big they become paralyzing. Whether it’s cleaning out a closet, writing a paper, or having a difficult conversation, our brains can quickly go into overwhelm mode when we only see the mountain in front of us. That “flooded” feeling makes it harder to start, which often leads to procrastination or self-criticism. The good news is, overwhelm isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign that the task needs to be broken down differently.

One of the simplest tools you can use is to keep shrinking the task until it feels doable. For example, instead of “organize the closet,” the first step might be “take one bag of clothes off the top shelf.” If that still feels too big, make it smaller: “Pick up three items and decide whether to keep or donate them..” The idea is to create momentum by finding an entry point your brain will not resist. Once you start, even with a tiny action, you’re far more likely to keep going. And here’s the bonus: human nature loves to feel like we are winning, so even tiny progress can create a powerful boost of motivation.

Here’s the key: if a task still feels overwhelming, you haven’t made it small enough yet. Shrink it again. Give yourself permission to complete those micro-steps. Over time, small, consistent actions build confidence and reduce stress. Consistency and follow-though are keys to self-efficacy. What once felt overwhelming, slowly becomes manageable. Remember—progress isn’t about tackling the whole mountain in one go, it’s about finding the next foothold that feels safe and achievable. That’s how big change is built, one small step at a time.

Journaling Question: Think of one task you’ve been putting off because it feels too big. How could you break it down into smaller steps? How does it feel now? Keep breaking it down until your brain says, “OK- I got this!”