If You Can’t Start, You’re Probably Trying to Climb the Whole Mountain
You know what would help.
Go for a walk.
Send the email.
Make the appointment.
Start the habit.
So why can’t you make yourself do it?
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression and thinking, “What is wrong with me? I know this would help,” you’re not lazy. And you’re not broken.
You’re probably trying to take the whole mountain in one step.
The “Big Change” Trap
When life doesn’t feel like it’s working the way it’s supposed to, we don’t just want a small shift. We want a total overhaul.
Not a short walk — a whole new routine.
Not one conversation — a fully repaired relationship.
Not one task — a completely different life.
But anxiety exhausts your nervous system. Depression drains energy and motivation. When the step is too big, your brain hits pause.
Then comes the self-criticism.
The problem isn’t character.
It’s scale.
Why Small Works Better
Research on behavioral activation (a gold-standard treatment for depression) shows that small, consistent actions improve mood and rebuild momentum.
Not dramatic reinventions.
Small, repeatable behaviors.
Instead of:
“I need to work out five days a week.”
Try:
“I’ll step outside for five minutes.”
Instead of:
“I need to fix everything.”
Try:
“I’ll complete one 10-minute task.”
Small builds evidence.
Evidence builds confidence.
Confidence builds change.
You Don’t Need a Personality Transplant
You don’t need to become a different person.
You need doable steps that your nervous system can tolerate.
If you know something would help but feel stuck, ask yourself:
Is the step realistic?
Is it emotionally manageable?
Can I cut it in half?
Then start there.
If You’re Feeling Stuck
If you’re in the Akron area and struggling with anxiety or depression, you might look high-functioning on the outside but feel stalled on the inside.
Therapy isn’t about climbing the whole mountain at once. It’s about finding steady footholds.
You don’t have to overhaul your life.
You just have to begin — small.
