Have you ever had a day where everything was going smoothly and you were on track to tick off your tasks, only for something unexpected to flip your plans upside down? Perhaps it was a call from school to pick up your child, an emergency at home or a last-minute request from work. These moments can leave you feeling frustrated, guilty and overwhelmed, unsure how to regain control of your day.

Let me share an example. Just last week, I received a call from school in the middle of a busy workday. My child wasn’t feeling well and needed to be picked up immediately. At that moment, I felt a rush of emotions: anger at how my day’s plans had been disrupted, guilt for feeling angry and helplessness as I realized the rest of my carefully organized schedule was no longer feasible. By the time I got home, I felt drained, unmotivated and tempted to switch off completely. Sound familiar?

These moments can feel like chaos taking over, but they don’t have to derail your entire day. Here’s a mindset shift that has helped me find focus amidst the chaos: when you’re in a situation beyond your control, pause, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: “In light of what’s happening, what’s one thing I can still do?”

On that day, after picking up my child and ensuring they were comfortable at home, I decided to focus on just one task. I sent an important email I had been delaying. It took only 10 minutes, but it helped me feel productive and grounded, reminding me that even small steps can create a sense of progress.

Why small wins matter

When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to fall into an “all-or-nothing” mindset. But life is rarely all or nothing. Even when the big picture feels chaotic, finding small wins can make all the difference. Completing one task—no matter how small—reminds you that progress is still possible. It’s not about doing everything but about doing something to keep moving forward.

Practical Steps to Find Focus Amidst Chaos:

1. Pause and Breathe: When unexpected chaos hits, take a moment to ground yourself with a few deep breaths. This simple act helps you reset and approach the situation with clarity.
2. Ask the Right Question: Instead of dwelling on what’s gone wrong, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can still do today? What is within my control right now? Choose something manageable and realistic.
3. Take Action: Once you’ve identified your one thing, do it. It could be as simple as responding to one email, folding a load of laundry or prepping for tomorrow’s tasks. Small actions can create a ripple effect of positivity.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay to have days where not everything goes as planned. You’re human, and it’s important to treat yourself with kindness.

Life is not all or nothing

These moments are a reminder that life is unpredictable, but it’s not about perfection. It’s about resilience and adaptability. When you focus on what you can do, rather than what’s out of your control, you’re better equipped to navigate life’s challenges without losing yourself in the process.

So, the next time chaos strikes, remember: pause, breathe and find your one thing. Progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Small steps, taken with intention, are just as powerful.