Sometimes we get overwhelmed by the long list of things we have to do, and end up paralysed by the enormity of the tasks ahead. When it feels like this, we tend to spend more time and energy worrying, telling ourselves it’s impossible, and resenting it than we do on getting on with it.

In these circumstances, it’s useful to just take one step at a time, doing the next most necessary thing – and then take the next step. This sounds obvious, but it has some useful nuances.

Firstly, it takes you away from the puzzle of where to begin: you start with whatever’s right in front of you, staring you in the face, or shouting at you.

Secondly, it’s about what’s most necessary. That may be paying the bill that’s overdue, but could equally well be having some breakfast, or stopping for 5 minutes for a cup of coffee.

This word necessary also reminds us that, as we go along, we may well realise that some of what we had n our list isn’t necessary today after all. We all tend to add in more ‘I must’s’ than are really in that category! Mowing the lawn could wait a few days, the clutter accumulated on the coffee table could be pushed to one side for now, there’s no rush on responding to that email – you know the sort of thing.

Thirdly, this approach gives you some momentum. You make a start somewhere and then take the next step – you’re moving rather than paralysed by the thought of what you have to do.

You may not get everything done that you had on your list, but for sure you will have done more than you thought you could when you were feeling overwhelmed.

You will also feel more energised at the end of the day, and can be proud of yourself for what you have achieved.

We don’t climb mountains by dreading it and then trying to push ourselves on. We do it by setting off and putting one foot in front of the other.