One Tiny Step - The Wild Cherry Farm

Listen to the Podcast Episode Here.

Sometimes, life can feel completely overwhelming. You might not even know where to start, and you feel like there are so many things you want to change and improve in your life and it all just feels like a big mess.

In these moments, it can be difficult to find the motivation or energy to get started. I know this feeling, and it’s not easy.

But here’s what helps me when this happens: I remind myself that I don’t need to fix everything at once. I don’t even need to make a big change right away. A way forward is to pick one tiny thing – just one step that you can take.

When everything feels overwhelming, the idea of taking on a huge project like organizing the whole house or making a major life change can feel impossible. But one tiny step? That feels more manageable. And it breaks the cycle of stagnation. It doesn’t need to be a life-changing step – just something small that moves you forward.

This could be as simple as tidying up one corner of your room, drinking a glass of water, or making a list of what’s on your mind. These small actions may seem insignificant, but they create momentum. They help you realize that you can take action, even when life feels like too much.

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

― Confucius

Start with HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired

If you don’t know what’s bothering you or where to start, I find it quite helpful to remember the concept of HALT.

H.A.L.T.

The four letters stand for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. When you’re feeling off but can’t quite figure out why, it can be helpful to pause and ask yourself these questions:

Hungry: Have I eaten recently? Sometimes, low energy and irritability can come from simply being hungry.
Angry: Am I upset or frustrated about something? Maybe there’s a lingering issue you haven’t addressed.
Lonely: Do I need connection? A chat with a friend, family member, or even a short interaction can lift your mood.
Tired: Am I exhausted and just need a break? Sometimes, we push ourselves too hard and forget to rest.

HALT is a great way to check in with yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It can also help you pinpoint the issue and take the next small step.

I always used this concept with my children too. You can start asking them these questions from an early age. It’s a great skill for life to be able to check in with yourself and listen to your needs.

Tiny Actions to Get Out of Your Head

When we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to get stuck in our heads – overthinking, worrying or agonizing over what we should do next. One of the best ways to break this cycle is to take small physical actions that ground you in the present moment. Here are a few ideas:

Take a shower: The simple act of washing away the day can reset your mood.
Go for a walk: Even just a short walk around the block can give you a fresh perspective.
Take three deep breaths outside: Stepping outside and breathing deeply connects you to the present moment.
Listen to a short meditation: There are so many accessible guided meditations that can help calm your mind.

These actions might seem small, but they can help shift your mindset and bring you back to the present.

Every small action matters, and it’s important to acknowledge that. When you take a small step forward, take a moment to celebrate it.

This could be as simple as giving yourself a mental pat on the back, taking a few minutes to enjoy something you love, or jotting it down in a journal. Celebrating these small victories reminds you that progress is happening, even if it feels slow.

Over time, these small achievements compound. It’s like building a staircase – each tiny step is a new level that brings you closer to where you want to go. Eventually, those little steps lead to something much bigger than you might have imagined.

The progress might not be immediately visible, but it’s happening. By recognizing and celebrating your small wins, you stay motivated, encouraged and more willing to keep going.

“Each step you take reveals a new horizon. You have taken the first step today. Now, I challenge you to take another.”

― Dan Poynter

Seeking Help

There are times when life feels so overwhelming that one tiny step doesn’t seem like it’s enough. When you’re dealing with deeper issues like depression or anxiety, it can feel impossible to move forward on your own. And that’s okay. It’s important to recognize when you need help and to take that step toward asking for it.

Reaching out for support isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s one of the bravest steps you can take.

This could mean talking to a close friend or family member, calling a helpline or seeking professional support from a therapist, counsellor, or coach. Sometimes, just speaking your thoughts out loud can bring clarity and relief.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to ask for help (not an affiliate link, but I used this before myself). You don’t have to go through it alone, and sometimes the most powerful step is simply reaching out your hand for support.

Embrace the Process

When life feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to make massive changes overnight. Start with one tiny step. And then another. Over time, these small actions add up, and before you know it, you’ll have made progress – even if it didn’t seem like it at the time.

So today, ask yourself: What’s one small thing I can do right now to feel just a little better? Then, take that step, and trust that it’s enough for now.