Overcoming Overwhelm While Pursuing Your Goals

It's easy to get lost in the grandeur of our dreams. Whether it's launching a business, learning a new skill, starting school, or embarking on a fitness journey... our goals can seem to tower over us. I sometimes feel like they are casting shadows of doubt and intimidation. But here's a secret I often remind myself: the road to success doesn't always require giant steps. The small steps can pave the way to great things. One step at a time, will get you there. 

Think of your goal as a light on a mountain. It's doable, awe-inspiring even! But trying to make it to the top all at once can be overwhelming. Focus on taking one step at a time. Break down your goal into manageable chunks, like scaling a mountain one foothold at a time. By starting small, you build momentum and gain confidence with each step forward.

Every journey is made up of milestones, both big and small. I know it's easy to fixate on the summit, but don't overlook the beauty of the trail. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Did you write a paragraph of that novel you've been dreaming about? Celebrate it! Did you complete a week of consistent walks or workouts? Give yourself a Gold Star! Recognizing each victory feeds your motivation and keeps overwhelm at bay.

If you trip, get back up. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan only leads to paralysis. We all have been paralyzed by fear, it is part of growth.  Stop getting ready to do it and do it.  Make up your mind, set your plan, and take action, even if it's messy. Remember, the first draft is always rough, the first attempt is rarely flawless.  Every misstep can be a lesson learned, and every failure is a steppingstone to the life you desire.   Just take one step in the right direction and you'll be on your way. Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are going to happen. Be flexible with the plan. Delays and setbacks will happen. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, trusting that each step brings you closer to your goals.

Fear is part of chasing our dreams. Sometimes we throw in the towel. It's easy to give in to overwhelm. But remember, lofty goals are not achieved overnight. Making it to the light at the top of the mountain is a result of consistent effort, resilience in the face of challenges, and a willingness to start small. So, take that first (or the next) step today, no matter how small it may seem. Your journey begins with a single step, and with perseverance, determination, and a sprinkle of patience, you'll reach heights you never thought possible.

I've been working on the prerequisites for nursing school. I'm not certain that I want to put in the amount of effort and time that it's going to take to get my RN degree.  I know I won't be working forever. I have to decide how much time, effort, brainpower, and money the degree is worth. And it's tough. There are already obstacles in my path. It's been especially challenging because I'm not exactly sure that I really want to do it. I realize I’ll have to jump in all the way to know for sure. I have to be patient; it will take time for me to decide. I must admit, that on occasion, I feel a sense of overwhelm.  It feels awful. I need to give myself some grace, it's all new to me. I haven't been in school for years and years. Suddenly, I have application deadlines and testing and fees and tuition to pay. It’s all coming at me at once.  So, I’m making mini goals for myself. I'm doing just one thing at a time. This makes it much more manageable for me. 

So whether your goals that you're working for are big or small I hope that these tips will help you stay out of overwhelm period of course overwhelm will only make it worse and remember fear stops us in our tracks.  It is fear that stops us from pursuing our dreams. We don't want to fail or we don't want it to be too hard. But remember you're created for a purpose, and you will not reach that purpose by sitting still. So set your goals.  Set your mind and keep it set; and walk confidently in that direction!  Set your light at the top of the mountain and go for it!

Live every day on purpose, 

Peggy Romero