Keep Moving Forward: How Getting Things Done Builds Strength in Hard Times

We all face tough seasons.

Times when everything feels uncertain or overwhelming. Maybe you’re dealing with personal loss, burnout, or, like me, you’ve been laid off. During moments like these, motivation can vanish and the idea of progress seems far away. 

Getting things done, even small things, matters more than ever when life feels hard.

Why action matters in difficult times

When the world feels out of control, finishing a task can give you a sense of power. 

You’ve taken a step. 

You’ve moved forward. And that movement fuels more movement. It reminds you that you’re still capable, still growing, still in the game.

Getting things done isn’t about pushing through with toxic positivity. It’s about creating momentum, even when you’re not at your best.

The power of setting small, clear goals

When you’re in a tough spot, big goals can feel impossible. So don’t start with the mountain. Start with the next step.

Instead of “write a book,” try “write 100 words today.”

Instead of “get fit,” start with “go for a 10-minute walk.”

Setting small, achievable goals trains your brain to focus on what’s possible. And every time you complete a small goal, you build confidence.

These small wins are like bricks in a wall. They add up. They create structure and strength.

Completion builds resilience

There’s something powerful about finishing something, even a tiny task. Why? Because finishing gives you closure. It tells your brain, “I can do this. I can follow through.” That feeling of completion, no matter how minor, becomes fuel to keep going.

And when life is heavy, we need fuel.

Try this: Make a list of 3 things you can realistically finish today. Then do them. Cross them off. Let that feeling of progress sink in. It’s not about how big the task was. It’s about the fact that you did it.

Progress beats perfection

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t have to be fast. You just have to keep moving. Perfection is a trap, especially when you’re already low on energy. Progress is the goal.

One small win today leads to another tomorrow. That’s how momentum is built.

Slowly, but steadily.

When things are tough, action can feel pointless. But the opposite is true: Action creates hope. Each small step forward reminds you that you’re not stuck. That you’re not powerless. That you’re still in motion.

So set a goal, just one. 

Make it small. Do it. Finish it.

Then do it again tomorrow.

In hard times, doing something is always better than doing nothing.