Just A Mom Trying

Do you ever make plans or have an idea to do something but when it comes time to go out or sit down and get it done you can’t? I feel like that is me all the time. I can’t really explain it to myself. It just seems like all of a sudden whatever it was seems to be too much. But I’m learning to chip away at it, and I want to share some insights that might help you too.

For example, this blog. I went back and forth for a couple of years on if I should really do it. Then finally one day I decided I’m going for it because I would regret it one day if I didn’t. So I jumped in and made a good start but here it is several months later and I’m just getting back to it.

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not confident in myself, that I’m worried about having enough or meaningful content, comparing myself to others, or afraid of crashing and burning. But here I go again with rationalizing to myself. Good lessons and skills come from trying and failing and its never good to compare yourself because no 2 people are the same and so on. It still doesn’t stop the wall that comes up eventually that stops me from progressing forward.

It’s not even just this blog that I experience this. Making plans to do fun things with the kids or going out with a friend only for the time to come and I feel like backing out. I don’t do it intentionally or to hurt anyone. It just feels like it will take to much to accomplish it, there’s too many people, or my time would just be better spent staying home and doing some sort of work.

So how do we begin to dismantle these metaphorical walls? It starts with a shift in perspective and some actionable strategies.

My 5 tips I’m learning to apply:

Tip 1: Pause and Re-evaluate.

When faced with an overwhelming ‘wall,’ I find taking a step back to breathe, and reexamine the situation at hand helps. What’s truly making it feel impassible? Fear, burnout, overwhelm? Asking yourself these questions can help you pinpoint the true nature of the barrier, making it less unclear and more accomplishable.

Tip 2: Break Down the Wall into Tiny Bricks.

An ‘impassible wall’ often feels that way because it’s seen as one massive obstacle. Identify the very smallest, most accomplishable task you can do right now. Sometimes, just getting started on that tiny ‘brick’ is the biggest help in seeing a way forward. Think: What’s the 5-minute version of this task?

Tip 3: Practice True Self-Grace (and Strategic Rescheduling).

It’s easy to push ourselves until we break, but an ‘impassable wall’ can often be a sign you need a break. Give yourself grace. If you need to reschedule plans or adjust expectations, do it. Knowing when to rest and recharge isn’t failure; it’s a strategic move to come back stronger.

Tip 4: Communicate Your Wall (Don’t Suffer in Silence).

Don’t carry the weight of an ‘impassable wall’ alone. If your wall involves others, try communicating how you feel. Often, just explaining your struggle can lead to understanding, empathy, and a compromise that makes the wall seem less daunting.

Tip 5: Celebrate Every Chip Off the Wall.

Even the smallest step forward, the tiny victory of completing one ‘brick,’ deserves celebration. Acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how minor, builds momentum and reminds you that the wall can be moved.

I am pushing through though. I’m determined to do this for myself, because my focus is always on the home and family. I think this can be a healthy first step. I’m shifting some of my focus onto me. This wall that comes from decision fatigue, a never ending to-do list, and burnout is not going to win over me all the time anymore. I am taking a sledgehammer to it one day at a time.

I am learning to giving myself grace and time to rest. The wall wasn’t built in a day, and I’m sure it won’t fall in a day either. But I will not allow it to control me any longer.

Here’s to me fighting this wall better and getting back to this blog a little sooner next time. And any goals I have after that!

Where are you struggling with this wall? What does it look like? Anything that helps or doesn’t help to make it better? Maybe just venting about it is all we need.