Feeling Overwhelmed

There are times when everything seems to need our attention at once. A problem may feel too large, a goal too far away, or a list of things to do may leave us wondering where to begin. This Positive Thought is a reminder that we do not have to accomplish everything today. Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply take the first small step.

Updated September 16, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

A Positive Thought About Feeling Overwhelmed

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. Ralph Waldo Emerson

How many times have you felt overwhelmed by the sheer size of a problem, task, or goal? You just can't imagine how you will accomplish it, or you feel the problem is simply too much for you to handle. Those feelings can defeat you before you even begin.

You can't see beyond everything that needs to be accomplished. Your mind can't seem to focus because the task feels too large.

Perhaps the task first seemed like a challenge, but now it is overwhelming you and causing you anxiety. If you quit, nothing gets done and all you experience is the feeling of discouragement.

So what do you do?

That First Step

For most people, the hardest part of moving forward is taking that first step. You could end up creating "a thousand forests," but nothing will be achieved until you begin.

Rather than looking at the whole staircase, focus on taking one step at a time. Sometimes those steps may be small, but at least you are moving in the direction you need to go.

With each step, you can begin to experience a feeling of accomplishment rather than the feeling of being overwhelmed.

The results of doing that one small thing could eventually influence the lives of many people.

Think about the quest to put a man on the moon. Was it a small goal? Obviously not. How was it accomplished? By taking that first step, then another, and then another.

You may find inspiration in knowing that many years ago the saying "reach for the stars" was taken seriously by only a few. This is especially noteworthy when many people believed it was impossible.

Create An Action Plan

When setting goals, we are often encouraged to create an action plan. Each task you complete moves you one step closer to your goal.

Rather than looking only at the end goal and becoming discouraged or overwhelmed, break it down into smaller actions. Focus on what you can do today, then move on to the next step. This simple approach can help with many situations that seem overwhelming at first.

Remember Emerson's Words

Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." Then do one thing, even if it seems like a very small thing.

And as you take that step, remember the familiar saying, "From little acorns grow mighty oaks."

Don't try to do everything at once. Remember the acorn. Something small can be the beginning of something much greater.

The secret to overcoming that feeling of being overwhelmed is found in small but consistent actions taken each day.

One Step At A Time Poem

One Step At A Time

Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

When problems seem too big to face,
And you are unsure where to start,
Don't try to solve them all at once,
Just choose one little part.

One step today, another tomorrow,
Will move you on your way.
Small and steady actions taken
Can make a difference each day.

Remember how the mighty oak
Began with something small.
So take that first step, then the next,
You don't need to do it all.

When life begins to overwhelm you,
Don't give up or quit the climb.
Keep moving forward, little by little,
Just one step at a time.

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Conclusion

Feeling overwhelmed often comes from looking at everything that needs to be done instead of focusing on what can be done today. One small step may not seem like much, but each step moves you forward. Remember the little acorn and the mighty oak it can become. Keep going, one step at a time, and let each small accomplishment encourage you to take the next.

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