Ever kept something on your to-do list so long it starts stressing you out?
Maybe it’s starting a creative project, organizing a corner of your room, or replying to that one email you keep pushing off.
The truth is: putting things off takes more energy than just starting - especially for overthinkers or anyone living with anxiety.
This is where this small mindset shift can change everything.
Why “One Small Win” works:
When you're overwhelmed, your brain tries to:
- plan everything perfectly
- control every outcome
- avoid starting altogether
This is really common - but it keeps you stuck.
Taking just one small step interrupts that spiral.
Here's why it helps:
- Builds momentum - a small win shows your brain you can do hard things - gently.
- Clears mental clutter - that lingering task isn’t weighing you down anymore.
- Brings you into the present - you’re not stuck in “what if,” you’re in “right now.”
This is the heart of what I call the soft life: doing things with calm, intention, and self-trust.
Simple tips to get started:
The 5-Minute Rule
Set a timer. Work on the task for 5 minutes - no more, no less.
Once the timer ends, you can stop or keep going. But either way, you’ve made progress.
This lowers the resistance to starting because 5 minutes feels easy.
Break it Down
Break down the task into small steps and pick one small thing to do.
Pick one small step.
Write the first line. Clear one drawer. Answer one message. Every small step counts.
The 2-Minute Rule
If it takes less than 2 minutes to decide or do - do it now.
Leaving it for later takes up mental space you could use for bigger things.
Most importantly: let go of the need to do it perfectly.
Just start.
Small progress can bring big relief.
One of my favorite grounding tools
Even with these mindset shifts, I still get overwhelmed sometimes.
That’s why I always wear my fidget ring.
If I’m anxious or distracted, fidgeting with my ring helps me stay calm and present.
Just spin your fidget ring while you’re thinking through a task, or do a simple breathing exercise with it (check our other blog posts for those!).
They’ve helped me more than I can explain, and I wear mine every day.
If you want to have a summer that feels soft but productive, check out our new course: The Soft Shift.
It’s full of science-backed tools like these to help you:
- lower stress
- move past mental blocks
- build routines that feel good (not overwhelming)
This isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters with less stress.
Living a soft life doesn’t mean you’re doing less.
It means you’re doing things with more intention, more calm, and more self-trust.
And it all starts with one small thing.
You've got this. 💛