Work stress? Why small steps work better than big ones

The pressure to fix everything fast

You’re tired, frustrated, and it’s getting too much. Your first instinct? Fix everything – fast. But that impulse often makes things worse. You start analysing, overthinking, or panicking. There’s this urge to act immediately – as if waiting is not an option. That pressure to move fast seems normal. It fits our culture, where we expect quick solutions for every problem. But that speed often creates even more stress. But what if fixing everything right away isn’t the answer?

The more urgency you feel, the harder it becomes to think clearly. You feel rushed, while what you really need is space: space to step back, take a breath, and get a better view of the situation.

Discomfort isn’t dangerous

Tough situations often come with emotional discomfort: frustration, doubt, insecurity. These are uncomfortable, so naturally we want to make them go away. But pushing through them too quickly can backfire.

If you can sit with the discomfort for a bit, without rushing into action, something shifts. You get a clearer sense of what’s going on, and you’re more likely to make choices that actually work for you.

Moving forward – one small step at a time

Maybe you want more responsibility at work. Maybe you want to shift your career in a new direction, but you’re not sure how. You don’t need to figure it all out at once. Big changes often start with one small step.

Instead of pushing for dramatic solutions, try shaping your current role. Get involved in projects that match your interests. Let your manager know what you're good at and what you enjoy. This is sometimes called job shaping: gradually steering your job to better reflect your strengths.

That can lead to new opportunities – more visibility, more interesting responsibilities, and sometimes a whole new path. It can also help show potential employers what you're capable of, through new projects or collaborations.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten.” – Bill Gates

You don’t have to solve everything today. Give yourself time.

What coaching can do

Coaching helps you slow down and figure things out without pressure. You get the chance to reflect, get clarity, and work out your next step. It helps you look beyond the stress and start seeing possibilities.

Want to see if coaching could help you? 

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Read more about my approach – or book a free consultation to explore what might work for you.

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