Dr. Joy Green, a trailblazer and advocate for personal growth, has become a thought leader in personal development and leadership. As the author of "Goal Get'em Girls!," she empowers individuals to pursue aspirations and achieve goals, offering motivation and actionable insights.
I totally get how anxiety can feel like this giant wall standing between you and your goals. It’s like every time you want to move forward, procrastination, self-doubt, overthinking, or even not knowing where to start comes creeping in. The anxiety begins to manifest in ways that hinder progress and diminish confidence. Trust me, you’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s so easy to feel stuck. But here’s the thing: anxiety doesn’t have to control your journey. With the right tools and mindset, it can become a stepping stone to growth and success.
How anxiety gets in the way
Anxiety tends to show up in a few key ways that make things harder:
Procrastination – You know that feeling when you’re so worried about messing up that it feels safer to just avoid starting? Yep, that’s anxiety talking. But putting things off only piles on more stress later.
Overthinking Everything – Ever feel like you’re planning every single step over and over because you’re scared to make a move? That’s where “analysis paralysis” kicks in, and it keeps you stuck.
Self-Doubt – Anxiety loves to whisper things like, “You’re not good enough” or “What if you fail?” That doubt can make you hesitate or feel like your goals are out of reach.
Prioritizing Feels Impossible – When anxiety is loud, every task feels urgent, and you end up trying to do it all—or worse, nothing at all.
But here’s the good news: anxiety isn’t all bad. Sometimes, working toward a goal can give you the structure you need to calm those feelings. The trick is learning how to set goals in a way that works with you instead of against you.
How to stay focused when anxiety creeps in
Here are 7 things that have really helped me—and maybe they can help you too:
1. Start small and keep it simple
Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re anxious. Instead of saying, “I need to get in shape,” try breaking it down to something like “I’ll go for a 15-minute walk each day.” Little steps are way easier to manage and still get you closer to the big picture.
2. Focus on the process
I know it’s tempting to obsess over the finish line, but sometimes that just adds more pressure. Instead, think about what you can do today. For example, if your goal is to write a book, focus on writing 500 words instead of worrying about the whole thing.
3. Practice mindfulness
Anxiety loves to pull you into a spiral of “what ifs.” Mindfulness can help bring you back to the present. Even just 5-10 minutes of deep breathing or meditation can make a huge difference.
4. Break tasks into bite-sized pieces
You don’t have to tackle everything all at once. Break your day or task list into small, manageable chunks. Focus on one thing at a time—it’s way less overwhelming.
5. Challenge negative thoughts
When you hear that inner voice saying, “You can’t do this” or “You’re going to fail,” call it out. Ask yourself, “Is this really true? What’s the worst that could happen?” More often than not, those fears lose their power when you face them head-on.
6. Be kind to yourself
This one’s 'huge'. You’re not a robot—you’re human, and mistakes are part of the deal. Instead of beating yourself up, treat yourself the way you’d treat a friend. Give yourself grace.
7. Find accountability
Sometimes it helps to have someone in your corner—a friend, a mentor, or even a coach. Sharing your goals with someone who can check in with you can make all the difference.
Turning anxiety into your superpower
Here’s the thing: anxiety doesn’t have to stop you. It can actually push you to slow down and really focus on what’s most important. By breaking things into small steps, staying present, and giving yourself some grace, you can make progress—even when it feels tough.
You don’t have to be perfect to succeed. You just have to keep going, one small step at a time. And guess what? You’re doing better than you think.
I believe in you. Let’s tackle those goals together!
Read more from Dr. Joy Green
Dr. Joy Green, Accountability Goal Achievement Coach
Dr. Joy Green, a trailblazer and advocate for personal growth, has become a thought leader in personal development and leadership. As the author of "Goal Get'em Girls!," she empowers individuals to pursue aspirations and achieve goals, offering motivation and actionable insights. Transitioning to an Accountability Goal Achievement Coach, Dr. Joy's coaching philosophy centers on "Elevating Personal Goals, Igniting Leadership Potential, and Fostering Professional Growth." She's dedicated to making your goals a reality, sparking transformative change in your life, and inviting you to join this journey toward unlocking your full capabilities.
