Bisi’s Three Small Wins

Bisi began every Monday with an ambitious list. She planned to exercise, organize her home, finish outstanding assignments, call relatives, and work on the small business she hoped to launch.

By Wednesday, much of the list was usually unfinished.

She was balancing employment, family responsibilities, and an increasingly demanding professional course in Lagos. Poor sleep left her exhausted before the working day even began. Yet whenever she fell behind, she responded by making an even longer list.

Bisi believed greater discipline would solve everything. Instead, the pressure made her feel worse. She began avoiding activities she once enjoyed because resting or having fun made her feel guilty.

A Different Question

One evening, Bisi’s older sister visited and noticed how overwhelmed she looked. After listening to everything Bisi believed she had failed to accomplish, she asked a simple question:

“What did you manage to do today?”

Bisi initially dismissed it. She had gone to work, prepared a meal, and submitted one assignment. Compared with everything still unfinished, those achievements did not seem impressive.

Her sister encouraged her to look again. Bisi had completed three meaningful responsibilities despite feeling exhausted. Perhaps progress did not have to mean finishing everything at once.

From then on, Bisi began choosing three manageable priorities each morning. She also learned to separate urgent responsibilities from important long-term goals and tasks that could reasonably wait.

There were still difficult days. Sometimes three priorities became two. On other days, an ordinary responsibility required far more effort than she expected. But she gradually stopped treating every unfinished task as evidence of personal failure.

Progress Is Often Quiet

Many people measure progress only through major achievements such as promotions, graduations, or financial milestones. In doing so, they overlook the smaller decisions and consistent actions that make those achievements possible.

Growth often begins long before its results become visible.

For someone dealing with ordinary work pressure, a manageable routine may provide more stability than an unrealistic productivity plan. For someone experiencing persistent emotional or physical difficulties, small steps can form part of a broader support plan. However, they should not replace appropriate professional assessment or care when it is needed.

Bisi began paying closer attention to her limits. She reorganized her study schedule, discussed workplace demands where appropriate, and protected enough time for rest. Most importantly, she stopped using other people’s accomplishments as the standard for judging her own progress.

Choose What Matters Today

When you feel overwhelmed, identify what genuinely requires your attention today. Choose manageable priorities and divide larger responsibilities into smaller actions. Ask for help when necessary, and remember that rest can be a responsible decision.

If exhaustion, low mood, or difficulty functioning continues, seek appropriate support rather than assuming that better organization is the only solution.

Bisi still keeps a list. She simply no longer allows it to determine her worth.

A small step may not complete the journey, but it can help you continue moving forward.

By Dr. David Rex Orgen, Best-Selling Author and International Mental Health Expert