How to Stay Motivated When Life Feels Heavy
From Overwhelmed to On Fire
We’ve all been there—feeling like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. As purpose-driven individuals, the desire to make an impact can often feel like a double-edged sword. While it pushes us to do more, be more, and create more, it can also leave us exhausted, burnt out, and wondering if we’re even on the right path. When overwhelm hits, it’s easy to feel like we're failing or that we're just not cut out for the journey ahead.
But here’s the truth: Overwhelm is not a sign of failure—it’s often a sign that you’re walking straight into the center of your calling. That heavy feeling? It’s proof that your heart is deeply invested in what you’re doing. And while it may feel uncomfortable, it’s also an invitation from God to lean into His strength, trust Him more deeply, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.
In moments of overwhelm, we often forget that even Jesus Himself felt overwhelmed. In Matthew 26:38, He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” If Jesus, the Son of God, experienced the weight of emotion, you’re certainly not alone in your struggle. But the key is how He responded—and how we can respond as well. Jesus didn’t ignore His feelings, but He also didn’t let them control His actions. He turned to His Father for strength, and we can do the same.
Why Overwhelm is a Sign of Growth, Not Failure
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we’re feeling overwhelmed, we must be doing something wrong. We start questioning our abilities, our calling, or even our faith. But what if overwhelm isn’t a sign that we’re failing? What if it’s actually a sign that we’re growing?
Overwhelm often arises when we step into something bigger than ourselves—something that requires more of our time, energy, and attention. It’s a sign that our hearts are fully invested in the work we’re doing. And when our hearts are deeply involved, the emotions can run high. This is especially true for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone pursuing a purpose-driven life. The weight we feel is often directly tied to the significance of the calling.
The enemy would love for us to think that feeling overwhelmed means we’re on the wrong path. But the reality is, feeling overwhelmed isn’t the problem—how we respond to it is. When we face overwhelm, it’s an opportunity to reframe the situation. Instead of seeing it as a roadblock, we can view it as an invitation to trust God more deeply and lean into His strength. When we do, we’ll find that the overwhelm begins to lose its grip.
Practical Steps to Overcome Overwhelm and Stay Motivated
When life feels heavy, it’s important to take practical steps to manage the weight while staying motivated. Here are a few tangible strategies that can help you move from feeling overwhelmed to being on fire for what God has called you to do:
- Break Overwhelm with Micro-Movements:
The key to overcoming overwhelm is breaking it down into small, manageable steps. Instead of looking at the mountain of tasks in front of you, focus on one small action you can take right now. Whether it’s writing one paragraph, making one phone call, or completing one task, micro-movements are powerful. Each step you take, no matter how small, is a victory. - Use the Three D’s: Defer, Delete, Delegate:
When your plate feels too full, the first thing you need to do is assess what truly needs to be done. Ask yourself:
- What can I defer?
- What can I delete?
- What can I delegate?
This is where healthy boundaries come in. It’s okay to say no to things that aren’t essential to your calling. It’s okay to ask for help. When you learn to let go of unnecessary tasks, you make space for what matters most.
- Lean into Rest:
This one might sound counterintuitive, but rest is a weapon. Sometimes, trusting God looks like taking a nap. We’re not called to hustle harder and harder without pause; we’re called to trust deeper. Resting allows us to recharge, refocus, and reconnect with the source of our strength. Remember, Jesus took breaks—He slept in the storm (Mark 4:38). If He needed rest, so do we. - Focus on God’s Promises, Not Your Circumstances:
Emotions are real, but they’re not always the ultimate truth. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to focus on your feelings, but your feelings aren’t always an accurate reflection of the truth. Anchor yourself in God’s promises. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you…” No matter how heavy your situation feels, God is with you. His strength is available to you, and His promises are unshakable.
Scripture to Anchor You When Overwhelm Strikes:
- Matthew 26:38 – “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…”
- 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed…”
- Mark 4:38 – Jesus slept in the storm, showing that rest is necessary, even in the midst of chaos.
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast…”
FAQs:
Q1: How do I stay motivated when I feel overwhelmed and like I’m not making progress?
Start by breaking things down into smaller tasks. Celebrate each small victory, and remember that you’re not in this alone. Overwhelm can cloud your view of progress, but even tiny steps of obedience lead to great victories. Keep moving forward, and trust that God is working behind the scenes.
Q2: How can I tell if I’m pushing too hard or if I’m just feeling overwhelmed because I’m doing the right thing?
Overwhelm often arises when we’re stepping into new territory—when we’re doing something that requires growth and faith. If you’re feeling overwhelmed but still have peace at your core and a sense of purpose, it’s likely a sign of growth. Trust that the discomfort is part of the process. But if your overwhelm turns into exhaustion or anxiety, it may be time to pause, rest, and reassess.
Q3: How do I trust God more deeply during seasons of overwhelm?
Trusting God during overwhelm involves surrendering your need for control. Lean into His promises, rest in His presence, and take one step at a time. Trust that He is in control, and that even in the messiness, He is working things out for your good.
Overwhelm may feel heavy, but it’s not bigger than the promises God has spoken over your life.
Let it fuel you, not defeat you, as you stay motivated and move forward with grace.
Overwhelm is part of the journey, especially when you’re walking in your purpose. It’s not a sign that you’re failing; it’s a sign that you’re invested in something meaningful. Instead of letting overwhelm paralyze you, let it drive you to trust God more deeply. Break things down into small, actionable steps, lean into rest, and focus on His promises. You are not alone in this—God is with you every step of the way. Keep moving forward, stay faithful, and know that the small steps you take today will lead to mountains being moved tomorrow.
