I’m often telling friends to break down projects into baby steps. One friend is too tired to do housework during the week and ends up exhausted by the end of the weekend when she tries to cram it all in. My suggestion is break it down. Toss a load of wash in Tuesday evening, clean your vanity Wednesday after supper. The majority of us have 10-15 minutes of energy in the evenings.
So why not apply our baby steps to our creative endeavours? Don’t start with I don’t have the time or energy to write my novel, start a blog today, this weekend or this season. A huge project is overwhelming and yes the majority of us don’t have the time to write a novel or paint a series of pictures in a weekend or month. We do have the time to get a notebook out and jot down ideas.
Break down your project and take baby steps. Over a coffee write an outline for a story. Check that Pinterest board you have of craft projects you want to make. Pick one and write down the supplies needed. If you want to paint but feel you don’t have the time to paint your large masterpiece what about painting cards for now?
Take a baby step in the direction you want to go. Don’t put things off as too tired, no time or no money. Let’s be serious those three things might never change if you don’t at least start somewhere. Baby steps, break a project down into what is manageable (right now) and start. Do not look at the big picture. Look at what you can manage and start small but start.
PS let me know if I can help – bounce ideas off of, offer encouragement, start a conversation and maybe hold each other accountable for our baby steps. We can so do this.
You can always start now !
You can always start now 
Great advice. Big projects can often seem so daunting. Breaking things up in to smaller segments can make things seem much more achievable.
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Agree. I think we often don’t start things because we feel we don’t have the time to finish it right there and then. When we often have the time to start if we break it down. Thanks for stopping by! Winter storm coming this afternoon here.
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Hello,
Today I nominated you for the Versatile Award: https://ingridmadisonave.com/2018/03/12/the-versatile-blogger-award/
I enjoy reading your blog and I wanted to give you some well deserved recognition.
Best,
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Thank you. You are one of my cheerleaders! Had another nomination early in February so going to combine them and link to both blogs. At the moment I’m trying to think of Q & A about me. Your Q & A were great. Travel wise put east coast of Canada on your list!!
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Yes, baby steps are the key to anything in my opinion ! My boyfriend also tends to do it all at once, even though it would be obviously less exhausting to do it little by little. Thanks for sharing 😊
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I am a list person so that helps when breaking things down and also getting my head around what has to be done. Thanks for stopping by.
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This is a really motivational, uplifting post! It’s so true what you wrote. It’s far easier to break down tasks into more manageable steps throughout the week. Cleaning especially; there’s no way that I would be able to do it all in just a weekend, and have time to blog, write and see friends.
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I am so with you. Plus who wants to spend all weekend doing housework! I am never too tired after work to put a load of wash on or clean the vanity. Less to do on the weekend.
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Great read!! Sooo true!!
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Breaking things down into smaller chunks can also give you a sense of accomplishment soon, which leads to wanting to tackle the next thing. I think!! thanks for stopping by.
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I agree, baby stepts is the key. Very motivational post. We need people like you in our lives 😍🤗
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thank you. I try and support and encourage people and I think the first thing is getting them to start. Just start. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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Definitely agree with doing things via baby steps, especially housework! Having a list of little things you need to do that day is handy too – a great sense of satisfaction when you can cross stuff off as the day progresses 😊
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I agree with you! When I’m starting a new project, I often get overwhelmed b/c there seems like so much to do, but when I take the time to break it down into smaller steps, it is much more manageable!
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Yes to breaking it down. We often have time to finish a smaller project or piece of a project so should start with that. Like you said more manageable (and doable!)
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Absolutely right, break everything down into bite sized chunks, and deal with them one at a time. Definitely the best way to move forward. Good advice!
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Plus can celebrate accomplishments along the way, which can be further motivating.
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I think you are so right, and its a lesson I should take on board! I am one of those all or nothing people, and get frustrated if I cant get everything done in one go. I am going to try to break it down as you suggest, great post xx
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I work full-time so often tired in the evening. The thing is I don’t want to do housework all weekend so even 10-15 minutes during the week I can get a bathroom done. 10-15 minutes can draft a blog post, check what is happening on Bloglovin and answer comments. Try taking a larger project and just break it down. Maybe an outline, a chapter, just smaller pieces and you will be moving forward.
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Pinned this to read again when My brain allows it.
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thanks. I’m about to head to work so know the feeling! Have a great weekend.
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For years I avoided doing things because I had a habit of looking at the whole picture. I eventually copped on that all I had to do was take things, as you say, in baby steps.
My biggest hate is cleaning the windows.
Now I just say, “I’ll clean this one window today.” Then I end up cleaning 3 or 4.
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I do the same thing. Especially working full-time I don’t want all the housework on the weekends. So I’ll clean the vanity one night, shower the next and break things down. Like you said once we get started we do more than planned.
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That’s very good advice. When I was still at work I wrote my novels on the train, in my lunch break and whenever I could sit down with a pen for a few minutes. There was never enough time to sit down and write for an hour or two.
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Congrats on writing a novel. That is a major accomplishment. It is about squeezing in time where we can get it.Thanks for stopping by.
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This rings so true. I’m tired all the time, and if I put things off because I’m tired, nothing would ever get done. I agree that things need to be broken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. A great way to do this is by time-blocking. Dedicate a certain amount of time to a task, then move on to something else.
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So true. I am a list person and if I write it down and break it down I am more likely to do it. I have a bullet journal which keeps me on track with certain things during the week. Dedicating a certain amount of time is a great idea. Even 10-15 minutes to clean the bathroom you’d be amazed at what you accomplished.
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Nice reading about breaking down goals in your view. It’s always better to take baby steps, break goals into smallee bits and start working with what you have
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I take baby steps during the week to just get my bathroom cleaned! Monday vanity, Tuesday floors. All good if it leads to less to do the weekends and I can blog and visit friends (BUYB!!).
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Great advice! I often ask myself what I’ve done today to bring me closer to massive goals. It works!
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It does! I think feeling overwhelmed along with trying to be perfect often stops us in our tracks. Just start, break it down, celebrate wins and you will move forward.
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I have such a hard time with that! When I start a project, I want to go full speed ahead! Interestingly, I just read a new weight loss philosophy (I’m not dieting, but I it caught my attention because it goes against conventional thinking), and that is, instead of trying to change your eating habits AND exercise, focus on only one of those things at first. Then, when you have it under control, and don’t have to think about it, start to tackle the other. The feeling is that trying to do both of those things, which require lots of effort, brain-power, planning….is simply overwhelming and we give up. Anyway, your post reminded me of that scenario.
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A friend is tackling weight loss and becoming healthier period. She emailed this week to say she is trying something different she read about – which is taking it one meal at a time. Preparing and eating a healthy meal right now. Not overthinking it. Just enjoying the prep and meal right now. What you said makes sense. Focus on one new habit at a time – I think that is why people get discouraged and overwhelmed. Break stuff down into what we can manage now. It is not all or nothing. It is taking it step by step. Just keep stepping! (if that makes sense!!)
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I so agree. Trying to tackle things all at once often leads to me tackling nothing at all. But if I see the effort as a series of small efforts, each a discreet “win” or a box I can check off the list, I see the progress and it feels doable. Great reminder of the power of “just do it.”
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Maybe we put too much emphasis on the finished project. Maybe we should be putting more weight to enjoying the journey and like you said celebrating our wins along the way. The biggest thing is to just start. I’m trying to live with fewer regrets, so that means “just do it!”. ie. love letter!! xo
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This is soooo important. As I grow up (I feel like I’m still not 100% adult), I am starting to make baby steps. All my life, if I couldn’t tackle something 100% at the beginning, I just left it. This is so true!
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I don’t think we want to ever be 100% an adult if it means we can’t play and explore!! I think we miss out on things with unreal expectations. If we break stuff down into more manageable pieces we just might start projects we never thought possible. Thanks for stopping by.
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Great post and great advice. When we break down our tasks into small steps they’re not so overwhelming!
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I even do it for housework during the week (work full-time) so less to do on the weekend and can have more time to play and visit my peeps at BUYB.
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Yes!
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The best advice. You have made me feel better about my goals today!
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I am a list person and I know I won’t get everything done on my list TODAY. I think we are often too hard on ourselves and have unrealistic expectations. I am glad you feel good about your goals today!
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I really do!
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Such good advice – that I have just read out loud to my 15 year old as she has a melt down about exam revision!!
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WOW thank you. I hope it helped her. Baby steps just start, reward, move on. All good. I often think we should not put so much weight on the finish project either – it should also be about the journey to get there and enjoying that.
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I love you ideas here. I homeschool my two children and I find the time I can devote to my hobbies is so cut-up. It does make it hard to get things done at times. And, as you commented above, starting projects that you know you can’t finish makes getting started a little more difficult. Great post, Amelia!
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Thank you. It can be overwhelming to look at the finish project, but if we break it down into smaller projects it seems more manageable. I know not everything can be broken down into smaller pieces but a lot can like housework and some craft projects. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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This is so true & I need to practice taking baby steps more often.
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just breaking down a project can help it not seem so overwhelming. I think we often have unreal expectations of what we can get done. I know I do my “to do list” alone.
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Great advice!! I have given this advice myself so many times to other people and yet I often fail to implement it into my own life… Reading this is another reminder for me to start doing it 🙂
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I often need reminders and writing about it helps. Thanks for stopping by.
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Help I can’t seem to finish my rewrites /edits on my latest draft novel! Maybe I should use baby steps. The last 10,000 words are proving so hard. Great post series BTW
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You can so do this! Yes to breaking it down into spending X many minutes on editing or a chapter. You rock this really. I am always visiting your blog thinking “she rocks!”.
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I find it so easy to get put off doing something just because I get overwhelmed by how much work/time is involved. Baby steps are the key to actually making a start and doing it, even if scaled down a little. xx
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True. Just starting is a sense of accomplishment. Had conversation with friend yesterday over boxes and cabinets of stuff. She is overwhelmed and just doesn’t want to start. I said just do one box or shelf. No one is telling you to do every box or cabinet in one sitting. Usually when you start with no box you do more as you get into a groove and it feels good (at least for me).
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Hi, I have shared this link on my PainPalsBlog regular feature Monday Magic – Inspiring Blogs for You! Claire x
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Thank you. Your blog is inspiring. One of the biggest gifts about blogging is community – thank you for being part of mine.
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What a lovely thing to say – made my day x
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Great Post! Think I need to listen to some of it x
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break it down and rewards along the way. THanks for stopping by.
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No problem x
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So going to do it. Love this x
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I’m glad. I try and break projects down into manageable chucks. I use a bullet journal so it is satisfying to check the box when even a small part of a project is completed.
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Sound advice!
Congratulations on your novel – amazing effort to start one let alone finish one.
Many thanks for stopping by my Travel and Photography site. 🙂
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It was fun to find someone new. Looking forward to seeing where this new group takes us!
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Good suggestion. Well written.
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Lots of great suggestions there!!!
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This is how I’m getting through my novel. Rather than over-thinking the whole finished project and how long it’s taking me, I’m just doing what I can and whenever I can. Small goals…..one at a time.
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that way you can celebrate your wins. Like writing Chapter X or a certain scene you wanted written. It is a goal if you keep moving forward. Be kind to yourself.
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I get super stressed out if I don’t break a project down into little steps.
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agree. it is the way to go. At least when you break it down you can feel like you completed something even it if it step one!
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Breaking it down into steps let you celebrate small wins. Thanks for the visit!!
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So true and often used in CBT therapy for people that get overwhelmed by things. Chunking large projects into smaller units often eases stress of underachieving. Big pictures aren’t helpful to everyone. I use lists daily to stay on track with chores, often with a project goal for the end of the week. Approaching social media with a similar pattern might prove more productive too methinks. Same with writing. Without objective lists I am a terrible procrastinator.
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I’m on the same page. I’m a big list person – keeps me focused and on track. I enjoy taking a lunch hour and just sitting in a coffee shop and writing out my week “to do” list. I feel better and more on track. Plus breaking it down lets you celebrate small wins!
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It’s why we get on lol. I’ve just done tomorrow’s!! One of the hardest things for me is having loads of totally different things to catch up on. Not just bigger projects, but unrelated little ones. I find lists help me move through them and create a semblance of sequence. Small wins as you rightly say.
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I so a list person. Just published Blog Battle like 5 minutes ago. Plus validated NaNo last night. So ending the month in good space. Enjoyed writing fantasy – story still not done so have to keep focused and writing. Hope you are checking your boxes also!!
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Well done re NaNo. It’s a huge commitment and usually leaves a few chapters to reach a book length ending. Am going to read the BB entries today and set up the next prompt for my blog too! Didn’t manage an entry this time, but then again been pushing The Crux Anthology as…I’m in it!!
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Baby steps mean that you will not be overwhelmed and is always a good idea. That way you can stop and take stock of situation. Apply any corrective action, if needed. It is a good idea.
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Definitely. That is big to be able to stop, reflect and take corrective action. I think that is part of the process so many of us miss when we rush to get something done ASAP. Thanks for visiting.
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I like this a lot. Baby steps are what get us from here to there–throughout life!
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Breaking it down for me never feels as overwhelming.
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Good thoughts! Baby steps are all I can manage most days anyway haha 😉
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Good advice! I’m right now struggling with messy house, difficult children, a tv that has gone wrong, now being replaced, (but if you Google currys Know how there is room to worry). I’m sat here looking a the television unit that needs pulling out and vacuuming behind, while there’s no big tv there.
We have homework nearly completed, ironing now done and I’m working through my blog comments.
My novel right now feels like baby steps.. I’m aiming for another 15000 words (total 90 000 words) till first draft is completed but I still haven’t worked out how it ends… it really is a massive work in progress…. yes baby steps!
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When I read both your blogs I realize you run on a different gas than most people. Marion you have a lot on your plate and in the air right now and I think baby steps are fine. Also patience and forgiveness when things are not completed or perfect.
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Thankyou, right now I’m struggling with juggling my plates, ha ha.. yes, you are right, patience and forgiveness are very important.
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You have a lot going on so be easy on yourself. You can’t do it all.
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This is great advice! Dont put off what you can do today for tomorrow.
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I think people get overwhelmed. I’m a list maker so always breaking things down. You are so right don’t put things off this pandemic hopefully will give people lessons learned. Thanks for visiting.
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Love your baby steps – reminded me of the saying: How do you eat an elephant: a bite at a time!
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