3 Small Steps Out of Overwhelm

1. Write down the tiniest next step toward one of your goals (just one!). It will seem ridiculously small, even laughable, but write it down anyway.
2. Give yourself more time than seems reasonable to do that one tiny thing.
3. When you complete it, cross it out even though it was sitting there all by itself, not even part of a list. You could even add a smiley face. This may feel silly and counterculture to the message we often receive in healthcare: “Professional, smart, and motivated people get a million things done no matter the cost.”

However, notice that you have completed a step toward a goal that felt giant in your mind. It feels refreshing and kind to break through the seal of overwhelming perfection and the myth of having no time compared to telling yourself you failed, that you’re not cut out for this, or that you’re unorganized. The former is motivating and helpful. The latter is, well, not.

The key to accomplishing big things is to approach even the smallest tasks with clarity, space, excellence, and most importantly, self-compassion. Over and over.