Have you ever felt overwhelmed by trying to change everything all at once? There’s something exhilarating about the start of a new journey—a new goal, a fresh challenge, or the decision to improve yourself in some way. I’ve felt it many times. That surge of energy and optimism can feel like rocket fuel. But if you’re anything like me, that enthusiasm can quickly become a double-edged sword. I dive in headfirst, trying to tackle everything at once, only to find myself overwhelmed, burned out, and left with little to show for it.

Over time, I have learned that the key to my sustainable growth is about limiting my focus and doing the most important thing first. Let me share a perspective and a story that might help you approach self-improvement in a way that keeps you moving forward without fizzling out.

Less is More: The Two-Shoe Rule

Simon Sinek tells a story about a 1950s shoe salesman who had an unusual approach to selling shoes. Unlike his colleagues who would bring out as many pairs as a customer wanted to see, this salesman had a rule: he would only ever bring out two pairs of shoes at a time. If a customer wanted to see a third pair, he’d cheerfully reply, “Of course! Which of these two should I take away?”

Why did he do this? He discovered that when customers were presented with too many options, they often became paralyzed by the choice and walked away without buying anything. But when they only had one or two options, they could focus, decide, and walk out with a new pair of shoes. Less choice didn’t limit the customer—it freed them.

This principle applies to my life, especially when I’m trying to make changes or develop myself. When I try to tackle five, ten, or even three major goals at once, I become overwhelmed. But when I narrow my focus to one or two meaningful areas, I can make real progress.

The Power of Prioritization

So how does this look in practice? For me, it’s about asking a simple but powerful question: What single action will move the needle the most right now?

Let’s say you want to improve your physical health, build stronger relationships, and develop a new skill. Those are all worthy goals, but trying to pursue all three with equal intensity can feel overwhelming—like juggling too many things at once. Instead, I try to focus on one or two areas that will have the greatest impact and direct my energy there.

If I’m low on energy, prioritizing my physical health can unlock the capacity to tackle other goals later. Or, if my relationships feel strained, improving them might create the support system I need to succeed in other areas.

By narrowing my focus, I set myself up for sustainable progress. But I also recognize that my capacity for focus is limited. Adding a new priority often means pulling attention from another part of my life. This tradeoff is okay—I’ve learned to give myself grace if one area temporarily takes a back seat. If my main focus is growing my business and strengthening my relationship with my partner, it’s natural if workouts take a back seat for a while. Growth isn’t about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most in the moment.

Once I’ve met some of my goals, I can reprioritize and set new intentions. This allows me to adjust my focus as my circumstances and values evolve, ensuring that my growth builds on a strong foundation rather than crumbling under competing priorities.

Reducing Overwhelm in Practice

Here are a few things I try to do to keep my self-improvement efforts focused and effective:

  1. Limit My Options: I take a page from the two-shoe salesman’s playbook. When deciding where to focus, I try to choose one or two priorities. If I find myself adding three or more areas of focus, I ask, “Which one am I going to take away?” Asking this question not only helps the most important priorities rise to the top but also reminds me to protect my energy and attention for what matters most. I write down my other goals so I don’t lose sight of them, but I set them aside for now.
  2. Commit to Small Wins: Big changes often feel overwhelming, but small, consistent actions can lead to major progress over time. When I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of a goal, especially when the full path to achieving it is unclear, I ask myself, “If I want to work toward this accomplishment, what do I need to do first?” I focus only on the next step, not all the steps, which helps simplify the process and reduce anxiety. I start with something manageable and build from there.
  3. Reflect Regularly: I periodically check in with myself to assess my progress and adjust my focus as needed. I’ve found it helpful to create monthly, quarterly, and yearly check-ins to ensure I’m staying aligned with my goals and values. I ask myself if my chosen priorities are still the most important and whether I’ve made enough progress to redirect my intentions toward new priorities.
  4. Celebrate Milestones: I recognize and celebrate the progress I make. To keep myself motivated, I preplan rewards for certain milestones. This gives me something to look forward to and work toward. For example, if I have a savings goal, I might plan to use some of that money for a vacation once I achieve it.

Embrace Focused Foolishness

As I’ve walked this journey of self-improvement, I’ve learned to embrace the mindset of the “Focused Fool.” I know I’m going to make mistakes, and I’m okay with that. The key is to keep showing up, to keep learning, and to keep focusing on what matters most. After all, life is more like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions—it’s messy, occasionally frustrating, and often makes you wonder if you picked the wrong screws. But as long as you stay focused, piece by piece, it eventually comes together.

So, the next time you feel the rush of excitement about a new goal or the desire to overhaul your life, remember the two-shoe rule. Choose the one or two things that will move the needle the most. Commit to them. And trust that over time, you’ll be able to build on your progress and layer in more changes without losing your balance.

In the end, it’s not about doing everything flawlessly; it’s about taking purposeful steps toward what truly matters. So, what’s one priority you can focus on today? Write it down, commit to taking the first step, and give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.

The Focused Fool Newsletter – Because wisdom comes from knowing where to direct your attention.