Feeling Overwhelmed by Big Goals? The 500-Piece Puzzle Lesson on Progress

A while ago, I started working on a big 500-piece jigsaw puzzle at home.

I invited my daughter to join me. She was excited at first, but within minutes, she felt bored and overwhelmed.

There were just too many pieces, and I honestly didn't even know where to begin. The final picture felt so distant, like it was impossible to reach. But, instead of pushing her, I saw it as a moment to model something more important.

I told her that some things feel overwhelming, not because they are impossible, but because they are big. And big things don’t get solved all at once. They get solved a little at a time, with patience.

Image created using Gemini

That unfinished puzzle stayed on our dining table for days.

Every day, I would work on it for a bit. Sometimes just 10-15 minutes. I’d show her the little progress I made. A corner done. A section starting to come together. Slowly, she could see the picture taking shape. About two weeks later, the puzzle was complete.

There was no need to rush. I didn't have to have had the perfect plan. I just kept showing up, stayed consistent, and was patient.

As we approach the end of the year and look toward the next one, this feels like an important reminder. You don’t need everything figured out to begin.

You need a direction, a simple strategy, and the willingness to keep going even when it feels slow.

If you are heading into the new year feeling overwhelmed by a big goal, a career decision, or a life transition, you are not behind. You may just be staring at a 500-piece puzzle.

Coaching helps you find the “corner pieces,” create a clear approach, and make steady progress toward the picture you are trying to build.

If this resonates, feel free to comment or contact me. I’d love to help you start your next puzzle with clarity and confidence.