When you want to do everything, but end up doing nothing...

There comes a moment when we feel the pull – a rush of ideas, dreams, and a deep desire to do something more with our lives. We’re filled with good intentions and a hunger to begin, to create, to change. But with so many possibilities tugging at us, we don’t know where to start. And that uncertainty can feel so heavy, it can turn into overwhelm, and we end up killing off any ideas and dreams we were once in touch with.

“I want to do so many things with my life… but I don’t know where to start. So, I end up doing nothing.”
 
Sounds familiar?

It can feel like a confession. A secret worry that maybe you’ve missed your window. Or that your dreams are too scattered, too late, too big. If you’re reading this and nodding, you’re not alone.

No matter what age or stage of life you're in, it can be hard to stay connected to the idea that everything takes time – that it’s all a process.

Whether you're creating a new path for yourself, changing careers, raising children, or just stepping out of university, the uncertainty can all feel too uncomfortable. But growth rarely happens all at once. It unfolds, often more slowly than we’d like, and learning to trust that process is part of the journey.

So, what is the reason that we get so overwhelmed and want to kill off any dream or goal?

I would imagine that there is an unconscious attempt to protect ourselves from rejection, pain and failure, and therefore our brain can shut down, and the defence becomes the coping mechanism for managing the anxiety.

But you’re not stuck. You just need a new relationship with your ambitions – one that allows them to energise you rather than paralyse you.

Here are six simple steps you can take that will help you move forward without burning out and feeling overwhelmed.

1. Get everything out of your head

Write down every idea, goal, dream, and curiosity. Big or small. Don’t censor yourself. Just get it all out where you can see it. This declutters your mind and makes space for clarity.
I invite my clients to journal every morning, which forces you to slow down and articulate what’s happening internally. It can also untangle confusing emotions and internal conflicts that you have about moving forward in your life.

2. Find the themes

Group your list into categories: creativity, health, career, travel, contribution, learning, etc. You might be surprised how your “chaos” has clear patterns.

3. Choose one area that gives you energy

Not the one that feels most “urgent” or “should-do,” but the one that feels most alive. That’s where your soul is calling you - start there.

4. Shrink it down to the simplest step

Take your chosen area and reduce it to one tiny action. For example:

• If it’s writing, open a new doc and brainstorm titles.
• If it’s health, start with just five minutes of movement a day. (Small steps are powerful – they build momentum and help form lasting habits.)
• If it’s learning, watch one TED talk that sparks your mind.

Make it so easy that your brain has no reason to resist.

5. Pause, breathe, and set boundaries 

When your dreams start to feel overwhelming and you ask, “What’s the point?” pause and recognise the feeling. If you’re job hunting, limit your search to 30-60 minutes a day. This keeps overwhelm in check and helps you stay focused and allows your mind to stay clear.

6. Build gentle consistency

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. You just need small, consistent steps in a direction that feels right. Progress is more sustainable when it’s not fuelled by pressure.
 
 You’re allowed to want many things. You’re allowed to take your time. But don’t let the overwhelm of “everything” stop you from doing something. Remember that growth takes time. Trust in the process.

Even when you know what you want from your life, it can still be difficult to know where to start. Coaching can help you find clarity and take those first small steps toward the change you want.