Stuck? Overwhelmed? Start Small.

Tense, overstressed, or caught in a loop of procrastination? We’ve all been there. The to-do list keeps growing. The pressure builds. And instead of taking action, we freeze, waiting for the perfect plan, the perfect conditions, or the perfect spark of motivation.

What if the real solution is simpler?

World champion pro surfer John John Florence recently shared a powerful strategy during a conversation with Rich Roll. It’s not just about surfing—it’s about life.

“When I’m overwhelmed, getting ready to take off on a wave, thinking of all the things I could do… Then, I simplify it and tell myself, ‘I’m just going to do a cutback, a simple turn back. Once I get started, the rest of the wave just happens.”

That’s it. Start with something simple. A small move. One motion that creates momentum.

Why Small Moves Matter

When we stare down a mountain of tasks or goals, the sheer scale can paralyze us. We overthink and hesitate. We imagine everything that might go wrong.

Momentum begins with movement, and it doesn’t have to be big. In fact, the most powerful shift you can make is asking yourself: “What’s the smallest, easiest thing I can do right now to get started?” That one question can shift you from stuck to moving forward.

5 Small Moves That Create Big Impact

Here are a few simple steps you can take when you’re feeling stuck:

1. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Just start. Five minutes of focused action can help you get unstuck and engage your brain.
2. Do one tiny task. Send the email or make the call. Open the document. Don’t write the whole report… just name the file and save it.
3. Move your body. A quick walk, a stretch, or even a few deep breaths can reset your nervous system and create clarity.
4. Clear your space. Tidy your desk and close tabs you don’t need. Clutter adds to mental overwhelm.
5. Say it out loud. Name what’s blocking you and own it. Often, just voicing it loosens its grip.

Simple Start, Big Finish

You don’t need to tackle the entire wave. Just do a cutback. Start small. The rest has a way of unfolding once you begin. Next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, don’t wait for the perfect moment or plan; just do one small thing. Small moves, repeated with intention, lead to big change.