When Motivation Feels Like a Mountain:

A Compassionate Guide for When Everything Feels Overwhelming

We all have days – or even weeks – when the smallest of tasks can feel like monumental challenges. If you’re feeling down, or you’re surrounded by chaos, it’s easy to see how quickly your motivation can vanish. You may look around and feel like you’re stuck in a cycle where everything is piling up, and even the simplest of tasks, like putting away clothes, can seem completely overwhelming.

I get it. As a professional organiser who is also neurodivergent, I’ve been there. And I want you to know, it’s okay to feel like this. You’re not lazy or broken. You’re simply dealing with the weight of life, and sometimes that weight can feel so heavy that it’s hard to even know where to start.

Why It Happens: Paralysed by Overwhelm

When you're feeling down or stressed, your brain is often overloaded with competing thoughts and emotions. The more you try to juggle, the harder it becomes to focus, and the more challenging even the simplest tasks can feel. It’s like being stuck in a fog of indecision. Your brain is not being lazy – it’s trying to process everything at once, and it becomes harder to break the cycle.

Tasks that would normally feel manageable, like putting away laundry, making the bed, or washing dishes, suddenly seem like insurmountable obstacles. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else has it together and that you're the only one struggling. But I assure you, you’re not alone. Even the most organised people have their tough days.

This feeling of paralysis can stem from the overwhelm of seeing everything that needs to be done without knowing where to start. It’s too much all at once. When you're already feeling emotionally drained, any task – no matter how small – can seem like an insurmountable mountain.

Simple Strategies to Get Moving Again

Here are some gentle, yet powerful, strategies you can try when you feel stuck:

1. Start Small – Really Small Focus on one thing. And I mean just one thing. Sometimes, breaking down tasks into something so tiny that it’s almost laughable can help you get started. Can you manage just putting away one item of clothing? Can you tackle one dish or one shelf? Starting small allows you to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

2. Set a Timer Give yourself permission to only work for 5 minutes. Use a timer or the stopwatch on your phone. When the timer goes off, you’re done. This technique is incredibly helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by the thought of endless hours of work. Often, once you’ve started, you’ll find it easier to keep going, but if not, you’ve still made progress.

3. Create a Routine – But Be Kind to Yourself Establishing a simple, predictable routine can help reduce the cognitive load. It doesn’t have to be a complex schedule – a small, achievable morning or evening ritual can provide the stability your brain craves. This could be as simple as making your bed in the morning or putting your keys in the same place every time. The aim isn’t perfection but creating small wins that make you feel grounded.

4. Prioritise Self-Care When your energy is low, your self-care needs to be top priority. This doesn’t always mean a spa day (though if you’re able to, that’s lovely!). It might just mean taking a few moments to breathe, step outside, or have a cup of tea. Recognising when you need to rest and recharge is essential. Self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity to help you face everything else.

5. Ask for Help I know it can feel hard to ask for help, especially when you’re in a vulnerable place, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s asking a friend for support, speaking to a professional, or reaching out to someone who understands, getting the help you need can make all the difference. And it can also help you to break free from the paralysis you’re experiencing.

6. 
   

Remember: You’re Not Alone

I want to remind you that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. You don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to have moments where you feel stuck, and it's okay to need help. We all face those days when our motivation disappears, and it’s hard to find our way out. You’re not failing – you’re human. And being kind to yourself in those moments is crucial.

If you’re feeling like you could use a little extra support, I’m here to help. As a professional organiser with a unique understanding of neurodivergence, I can offer strategies that are tailored to your specific needs. Together, we can work through the clutter, find solutions that work for you, and create a sense of calm and order in your life, step by step.

Let’s talk about how we can work together to get you feeling more in control, even when the world feels chaotic.

Contact me today, and let’s start making progress, one small step at a time.