How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed When You Write: Little by Little

Posted: January 9, 2025 by Mary Oluonye

Writing can feel overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? The deadlines, the ideas swirling around, the pressure to get it all done—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling this way, take a moment to breathe and look to nature for some wisdom.

There’s an African proverb that says, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Think about that. Birds don’t try to build their nests all at once. They don’t gather everything they need in one trip. They work steadily, piece by piece, until their home is ready. What if we approached our writing (and life!) the same way?

Why Writers Feel Overwhelmed

At the start of a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of resolutions and goals. You know the drill: “This is the year I’m going to write that book, launch that blog, finish that project…” Then you pile on even more—things you didn’t get to last year, new ideas you’ve dreamed up, and maybe a few ambitious “stretch goals” for good measure.

And then? It feels like too much. You get stuck, procrastinate, or burn out before you even really start. Sound familiar?

Little by Little: A Sanity-Saving Strategy

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Instead, break your writing into smaller, manageable chunks. Be like that little bird building its nest.

Start small. Write one paragraph, one scene, or one blog post. Celebrate that win, then move on to the next. Little by little, you’ll build something amazing without driving yourself crazy.

Set Realistic Goals

Here’s another tip: don’t overload your plate. Pick one, two, or maybe three key writing goals for the year. That’s it. If you get through them, great! If not, it’s still okay.

Trying to juggle six or ten big goals will only throw off your mental balance. Instead, focus on doing fewer things well. This way, you’re less stressed, more productive, and able to enjoy the process.

Create Space for Peace

Writers need peace of mind to do their best work. Here are a few ways to protect yours:

• Stop Working at a Set Time: If you can, stop writing after 5 or 6 PM. Give your brain a chance to rest.
• Prioritize Sleep: Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Make it a priority.
• Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to relax, recharge, and connect with friends and family.
• Simplify Your Routine: Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on what really matters.

Writing One Step at a Time

If you’re working on a big project, like a book, it can feel intimidating to think about the whole thing at once. Instead, break it down. Write a chapter, a page, or even just a single paragraph. Then another.

Each small step is progress, and before you know it, you’ll have a finished piece. Writing doesn’t have to be a marathon sprint—it’s more like a series of manageable strolls.

Let Nature Be Your Teacher

Nature is a wonderful teacher if we take the time to observe it. Birds, for example, don’t stress about building a nest. They take their time and eventually create something sturdy and beautiful.

What can you create if you approach your writing with that same patience and persistence?

Enjoy the Journey

Writing isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the process, too. Take time to enjoy it. Celebrate the little victories along the way. Each word, sentence, and paragraph you write is a step toward something bigger.

And remember, just like the bird builds its nest one twig at a time, you can build your writing life little by little.

For more inspiration, check out these two other articles I wrote: See Like a Writer and Write About What You See and Don’t Wait to Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It.

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