From Stuck to Starting: How to Move Forward When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

We’ve all been there—staring at the to-do list, the dream, the messy desk, or the unopened email, completely unsure where to begin. Overwhelm can sneak in quietly and then sit on your shoulders like a heavy weight, whispering, “You’ll never get this done.” When you’re stuck, starting can feel like the hardest part. But here’s the truth: small steps lead to big shifts.

1. Start Small. Really Small.

One of the best ways to beat overwhelm is to break your goal into micro-steps. Want to start writing a book? Start by opening a document and writing the title. Need to declutter your home? Start with one drawer. These tiny actions tell your brain, “Hey, we’re moving!”—and that’s powerful.

2. Momentum Over Motivation

We wait too often to feel ready. But motivation doesn’t always show up on time. Momentum, on the other hand, builds from action. Just doing something—anything—can create energy. Think of it like pushing a car: the first push is the hardest, but once it’s rolling, it gets easier.

3. Name the Fear

Fear of failure is one of the most common reasons people don’t start. We fear looking silly, messing up, or not being “good enough.” So name it. Speak it out loud. Often, naming a fear robs it of its power. Then ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?

4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Perfectionism is procrastination in disguise. Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for done. Each step forward is progress, and progress is what creates confidence.

5. Celebrate Every Win

Did you make the call? Open the file? Write one sentence? Celebrate it! Small wins matter. They signal success to your brain, ticking off tasks are a dopamine hit and help build emotional stamina for the journey ahead. You don’t have to know the whole path. You just have to take the next step.

You are not stuck. You’re just waiting to begin. And you can start today—right where you are.