We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at your desk, staring at the mountain of things you should be doing, and instead, you scroll. Your mind races, your to-do list grows, and that nagging voice inside reminds you of everything you haven’t done yet. As a creative, entrepreneur, or both, overwhelm can feel like an uninvited guest that overstays its welcome.
But here’s the truth: you’re not alone in this. I’ve been in that place more times than I can count—juggling ideas, balancing school, work, and trying to grow Summit Soul while staying true to my vision. The good news? There’s a way through it, and it starts with giving yourself grace and focusing on small, intentional actions.
Step 1: Acknowledge the Overwhelm
First things first: stop pretending you’ve got it all together. Seriously. Take a moment to breathe, journal, or vent to a friend. Sometimes just saying, “I feel stuck, and I don’t know where to start” is enough to release the pressure.
Ask yourself:
- What’s really stressing me out?
- Are these deadlines I set for myself realistic?
- Can I simplify or delegate any of this?
Step 2: Brain Dump Everything in Your Head
This is one of my favorite ways to hit the reset button. Grab a notebook, open your notes app, or use one of the free templates I share on Summit Soul, and write it all down. Every single thing on your mind—work tasks, personal goals, random errands. Get it out.
You’d be amazed how much clearer your mind feels when it’s not juggling 27 ideas all at once.
Step 3: Prioritize Using the “Big 3” Rule
Now that you’ve brain-dumped, circle the top three things that are most urgent or impactful. Not ten. Not seven. Just three. These are your non-negotiables for the day.
Pro Tip: If one of your Big 3 is too big to finish in one day, break it into smaller tasks you can complete.
Step 4: Remember Why You Started
When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to lose sight of your “why.” Why did you start this business? Why are you chasing this goal?
For me, it’s always about helping creatives like you—those who are balancing work, school, family, and a million dreams. I know how hard it is to show up every day, but I also know how worth it it is to create something you’re proud of.
Take a moment to reconnect with your purpose. It might just be the push you need to keep going.
Step 5: Celebrate the Small Wins
Listen, progress is progress. Did you finish one task on your list today? That’s a win. Did you take five minutes to journal or plan? That’s a win. Sometimes we’re so focused on the end goal that we forget to celebrate how far we’ve already come.
Here’s your reminder to slow down and acknowledge yourself for showing up.
Being overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. It means you’re pushing yourself to grow. But growth doesn’t happen all at once—it’s in the tiny steps, the messy middle, and the moments when you choose to keep going.
If you’re feeling stuck right now, I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone. I’m here, cheering you on, and so is the entire Summit Soul community.
Need a little extra support? Download one of our free templates to help you get organized, or join the conversation on Instagram—we’re in this together.