When the World Feels Like It’s Burning (Literally and Figuratively)

Let’s be real—sometimes life feels like it’s going up in flames. And no, I’m not just talking about the existential dread from your overflowing inbox or that laundry mountain quietly judging you. I’m talking about the big stuff—climate disasters, rising costs, and the constant hum of anxiety that comes with living in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable.

After reading the heartbreaking New York Times article about the Los Angeles wildfires, it hit me hard: uncertainty isn’t coming—it’s already here. Homes lost, communities scattered, and lives forever changed. It’s the kind of chaos that makes our personal goals feel, well, kind of pointless.

But here’s the thing: when the world feels out of control, it’s even more important to focus on what you can control. That’s how we stay grounded. That’s how we move forward.

So, how do we stop procrastinating and start taking meaningful action when everything feels overwhelming? Let’s talk about it.

How to Stay Productive in an Unpredictable World

1. Focus on What You Can Control

You can’t control wildfires, hurricanes, or global politics. But you can control your daily actions. When big-picture anxiety creeps in, bring your focus back to the small things that matter:

• Cleaning your workspace.
• Finishing that report due tomorrow.
• Calling a friend you’ve been meaning to check in on.

Pro Tip: I talk about this in my book You Aren’t a Lazy Piece of Sh!t: Start small. Even checking off something simple like “do the laundry” builds momentum.

2. Break Down Big Goals into Bite-Sized Steps

In the face of disaster (or even just a chaotic Tuesday), massive goals feel impossible. So, break them down:

• Overwhelming: “I need to get in shape.”
• Manageable: “I’ll take a 10-minute walk today.”

This applies to everything—work projects, home organization, even getting involved in climate activism. Small steps add up.

3. Build Resilience Through Routine

Routines create stability when everything else feels unpredictable. No, I’m not saying you need to become a productivity robot. But setting small, non-negotiable habits (like making your bed or journaling for five minutes) can ground you.

Think of it as your personal fire extinguisher for mental chaos.

4. Channel Anxiety into Action

The NYT article hit on something powerful: anger can fuel action. When we feel powerless, it’s easy to spiral. But turning that energy into small, focused actions makes a difference.

• Worried about climate change? Donate, volunteer, or educate.
• Overwhelmed by work? Prioritize and delegate.
• Feeling stuck? Move your body—take a walk, stretch, dance.

Action beats anxiety every time.

5. Limit Doomscrolling (Seriously, Stop It)

We’ve all been there—scrolling through disaster headlines and feeling completely paralyzed. But endless exposure to bad news doesn’t make you more informed; it just makes you more anxious.

Set boundaries:

• Check the news once or twice a day.
• Replace scrolling with something productive—like finally starting that project you’ve been putting off.
• Set a timer on your phone so you can’t access social media more than, say, 30 minutes each day.

A New Year, A New Mindset

As we step into a new year, it’s tempting to make big, sweeping resolutions. But after a year full of unexpected disasters and global chaos, let’s be honest—flexibility is the real goal.

Instead of promising to “be more productive,” try this:

• “Each day, I’ll focus on one thing I can control.”
• “I’ll take small steps, even when it feels hard.”
• “I’ll rest when I need to, and act when I’m ready.”

This mindset shift isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about building resilience.

Start Small, Stay Strong

Here’s the truth: the world might be unpredictable, but your actions don’t have to be. Start with one small step today.

Need help getting started? Grab a copy of You Aren’t a Lazy Piece of Sh!t, it is packed with practical strategies to break free from procrastination and reclaim your time.

Let me know in the comments: What’s one small action you’ll take today to regain control?

And if this post spoke to you, share it with someone who needs it. Let’s build resilience—together.