Finding Motivation When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed: Small Steps Toward Big Wins

Let’s be honest—motivation can be hard to come by, especially after a long week of work or a full week of taking care of the kids as a stay-at-home mom. Whether it’s due to the weight of depression, anxiety, or even executive dysfunction, it’s easy to find yourself feeling stuck and unmotivated, struggling to get started on the simplest tasks. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but the good news is—there are strategies that can help.

When motivation feels out of reach, the key is to start small. Often, when we look at an entire job or an overflowing to-do list, it can feel paralyzing. The bigger picture can be overwhelming, and the urge to crawl back into bed or push things aside becomes stronger. I’ve seen this time and time again in my work with clients, and it’s a challenge many of us face.

But here’s the thing: when you’re struggling, it’s okay to break things down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain of things you need to do, pick a tiny, achievable task to start with—like making your bed, putting one dish in the dishwasher, or even taking a few minutes to tidy a single corner of the room. You might think, “That’s not enough to get anything done,” but you’d be surprised at how powerful this small win can be.

Once you complete that small task, you might feel a sense of accomplishment. This feeling can trigger a natural desire to do one more thing. And then one more. Before you know it, you’ll start crossing things off your to-do list, gaining momentum, and feeling more motivated to keep going.

The beauty of this approach is that it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about giving yourself permission to move at your own pace, to honor where you’re at, and to celebrate each small win. Starting small is a powerful way to create a sense of forward motion and to gently remind yourself that you are capable.

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of a big task, just take one small step. The momentum you build from these little victories will help you take the next step and the next, until you realize that you’ve made meaningful progress.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Be kind to yourself and allow room for small successes. You’ve got this.

Looking for support or guidance? If you’re feeling stuck and need help managing these challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, having someone to walk alongside you can make all the difference in finding your motivation again. Let’s work together on a plan that helps you feel empowered and supported. 🌱