How to take action when everything feels hard

It felt like wading through thick mud. Everything, even the smallest tasks, seemed monumental. Getting out of bed was a battle. Answering emails felt like climbing Mount Everest. This was my life a few months ago. I knew I needed to take action, but how could I when everything felt so incredibly hard? The first thing I realized was I couldn't expect to suddenly feel motivated.

Motivation often comes *after* you start, not before. So, I started small, incredibly small. I told myself I would just wash one dish. Just one. It felt manageable. After washing that one dish, I felt a tiny sense of accomplishment. It wasn't much, but it was something. Next, I focused on breaking down larger tasks. That looming work project?

Instead of thinking about the whole thing, I focused on just writing the first sentence of the outline. That's it. Just one sentence. Once that sentence was written, the next one seemed a little less daunting. I also started paying attention to my self-talk. I was constantly telling myself things like, "This is too hard," or "I'll never finish this." I started challenging those thoughts.

I replaced them with more realistic and encouraging statements, like, "This is hard, but I can do one small part of it," or "I've overcome challenges before, and I can do it again." Another thing that helped was creating a routine. Even a simple routine of waking up at the same time, making coffee, and spending a few minutes stretching made a difference.

It gave me a sense of structure and predictability in a world that felt overwhelming. I also started incorporating small rewards for completing tasks, no matter how small. Finished that one dish? I'd let myself listen to my favorite song. Completed the first sentence of the outline? I'd take a five-minute break to read a book. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

It's okay to admit you're struggling. Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist. Sometimes just talking about it can make a huge difference. I found that sharing my struggles with a friend helped me feel less alone and gave me some valuable perspective. Remember that progress isn't always linear. There will be days when you feel like you're taking a step back.

That's okay. Just keep showing up and doing what you can, even if it's just a tiny bit. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It's also crucial to prioritize self-care. When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to neglect your basic needs. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things can have a profound impact on your mood and energy levels.

Finally, celebrate your small victories. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small it may seem. It's important to recognize your efforts and give yourself credit for what you've accomplished. I started keeping a gratitude journal, and writing down one thing I was grateful for each day helped me focus on the positive aspects of my life.

It takes time and effort, but it is possible to break free from that feeling of everything being too hard and start taking action again. Be patient with yourself, be kind to yourself, and keep moving forward, one small step at a time. Remember, you are stronger than you think.
Name: Alex comment of such a kind I would recommend focusing on identifying the root cause of why things feel so hard.

Is it stress, burnout, lack of sleep, or something else? Addressing the underlying issue can make a significant difference. I would also suggest exploring mindfulness techniques to help manage overwhelming feelings.
Name: Sarah commentary like this Breaking down tasks is a great start, but make sure to schedule those small steps into your day. Put it on your calendar!

When it is in your day, it may become more of a routine thing.
Name: Michael comment of this type I would say to keep going and don’t feel bad to relax once in a while, for me that’s important and to keep doing what you are doing!