When the Project Feels Too Big and You Can Barely Get Out of Bed

There’s a certain kind of overwhelm that doesn’t come from laziness or lack of motivation—it comes from being completely and utterly frozen. You know the project you want to start. Maybe it’s something creative, something personal, something that means a lot to you. But every time you look at the big picture, your body feels heavy. Even the first step feels like too much.

And some days? You can barely get out of bed.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Whether you're dealing with depression, burnout, chronic illness, or just an overwhelming season of life, starting something big when you feel so small is incredibly hard. But it is possible—gently, slowly, and without perfection. Here’s how to approach it with compassion and strategy.

1. Break the Big Thing Into Ridiculously Tiny Pieces

Forget “just start.” That advice works for some people, but if you’re here, it probably doesn’t for you. Instead of looking at the whole mountain, ask:

What is the smallest, least threatening action I could take today?

Not “outline the whole project.” Not “finish the first chapter.” Maybe it’s:

Open the document

Write the title

Think about the first step while lying in bed

When everything feels too big, scale it down until it doesn’t. If it still feels too big, go smaller.

2. Make Peace With the Pace

There is no rule that says you have to do it all in one week. Or even one month. You’re allowed to take your time. One small step every few days is still progress.

Your worth isn’t tied to productivity. And your value doesn’t decrease because you’re moving slow.

3. Create a Soft Space to Work In

Some days, getting out of bed is the goal—and that’s okay. If the project can come to you, let it. Have your notebook, tablet, or phone within reach. Use voice notes. Let yourself brainstorm in the notes app while wrapped in your blanket. You don’t need a perfectly curated workspace to begin.

Comfort counts. Let it help carry you.

4. Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Friend

You wouldn't shame a friend who was struggling to get up. You wouldn’t call them lazy or unmotivated or dramatic. So why do it to yourself?

Try this instead:

“You’re doing your best.”

“This is hard, and you’re still here.”

“Even thinking about your project today is a win.”

Compassion creates space. Criticism closes it.

5. Celebrate the Smallest Wins

Did you name the folder for your project? That’s a win.

Did you sketch an idea? Another win.

Did you just think about it, even once, in between naps? Still a win.

Don’t wait until the finish line to feel proud. The fact that you’re even considering taking something on right now means you have fire in you—even if it’s just an ember.

6. Remember Why You Want to Do It

You don’t have to “hustle.” You don’t have to prove anything. But there’s a reason this project came to you. A small spark of purpose. Try writing that reason down somewhere you can see it. Let it be your anchor on the days you drift.

Final Thought:

If you're struggling to move through the day, tackling a big project might feel impossible—but it's not. You’re allowed to go slow. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to create in ways that don’t look impressive to anyone but you.

The truth is, showing up for yourself in any small way—especially when you're struggling—is one of the most powerful things you can do. You are already doing more than you realize.

And the project? It’ll wait for you. Start when you can. Start where you are. Just don’t give up on you.