The Overwhelm is Real: Simple Strategies for Filipino Women to Start Small and Build Momentum

Health & Wellness

By InLife Sheroes
May 07, 2025
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Let’s be real: many Filipino women are masters of juggling—family, work, relationships, responsibilities, expectations, and somewhere in there… ourselves. The pressure to do it all (and do it well) can make even thinking about starting a new goal feel exhausting. Whether it’s launching a small business, going back to school, changing careers, or simply setting aside time for yourself, the overwhelm is real.

And yet—within that chaos lives a quiet truth: we can begin. Even if we’re unsure. Even if it’s messy. Even if we have no idea what step two looks like.

The key? Start small. Stay kind to yourself. And trust that tiny steps can lead to transformative change.

Why We Get Stuck: The Pressure to Be Everything

Filipino women often grow up learning how to prioritize others. We are caregivers, providers, supporters, and silent warriors in our families and communities.

While these roles are powerful, they can also make it hard to give ourselves permission to focus on our own goals.

Add to that the pressure to succeed instantly—fueled by social media highlight reels and unrealistic expectations—and it’s no wonder we freeze in “inspiralysis” before even beginning.

But perfection is not the goal. Progress is.

Strategies to Get Your Momentum Going

If you’ve been feeling stuck, here are three strategies to help you step out from “inspiralysis” to action:

Start Where You Are: The Power of Small Starts

Big goals don’t require big actions right away. They require consistent, small steps that honor where you are now.

Here are a few real-world examples of “small starts” that lead to meaningful wins:

Want to start a side hustle? Begin by setting up a 30-minute research session on your phone during lunch. One search, one idea, one note.
Thinking about going back to school? Email just one school or look up scholarship options—don’t worry about the full application yet.
Want to be healthier? Start by drinking an extra glass of water each day or walking for 15 minutes after work.
Need to rebuild confidence? Write down one thing you did well today. Just one.

Every big journey begins with a first step. And the first step doesn’t have to be dramatic—it just has to be yours.

Time-Management Tips for the Busy Filipino Woman

Between family, work, and everything in between, time feels limited. But it’s not always about finding more hours—it’s about using them more intentionally. Here are a few ways to carve out space for your goals:

Use “in-between” moments. Waiting in line? Commuting? These are great times to listen to a podcast, draft a message, or write ideas in your notes app.
Time-block your non-negotiables. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, treat that time like an appointment with yourself.
Batch your tasks. Group similar tasks together—like replying to messages or running errands—to stay focused and efficient.
Say no more often. Every “yes” to someone else is a “no” to something else. Be honest about what matters most right now.

Be Kind to Yourself: Progress Isn’t Linear

Sometimes, life will get in the way. You’ll miss a day. You’ll lose motivation. You’ll wonder if it’s worth it.

Here’s your reminder: this is normal.

Self-compassion is not weakness. It’s a strategy. It keeps you going when motivation fades. When you stumble, don’t start over—just continue. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.

Celebrate every small win. Did you finally start the outline for your blog? That counts. Chose rest when you needed it? That counts too.

Building momentum isn’t about speed—it’s about direction.

Real Empowerment Starts Within

At InLife Sheroes, we know that the hardest part is not dreaming big—it’s beginning small. That’s why we believe in the #StartWithin movement. It’s not about chasing perfection or performing success for others. It’s about tuning in, listening to what you want, and taking brave little steps to get there.

The overwhelm is real—but so is your strength. And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

InLife Sheroes is more than a community—it’s a sisterhood of Filipino women who see you, support you, and walk with you. We offer real resources, real talk, and real encouragement to help you move forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.

So take a breath. Start where you are. And remember: the life you want isn’t waiting on a perfect plan. It’s waiting on you.

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