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How to Build Your Life When Everything Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

Small steps, real tools, and raw honesty to help you rebuild—even when you're broke, burned out, and barely hanging on.

Let’s be honest: I’m not writing this from some peaceful mountaintop retreat. I’m writing this in the middle of a storm.

Money’s tight. My mind is loud. I’m tired of applying for jobs that lead nowhere. I’m building a business because I have to, but also because I know I’m meant to. I’m doing this with nothing but my laptop, my dog, a lot of self-awareness, and a little bit of hope.

If you’re reading this and feeling like your life is a mess...I get it. This isn’t one of those “just journal and manifest” posts. This is me telling you that yes, it’s hard, but yes, it’s possible to build your life from scratch anyway.

When the World Feels Out of Control, Focus on What Is in Your Hands

When everything feels like it’s falling apart, your nervous system goes into survival mode. You freeze. You scroll. You want to cry. You do cry.
What helped me shift out of that wasn’t toxic positivity—it was micro action.

I started asking myself: What can I control right now?

Sometimes the answer was:

  • Brushing my teeth.

  • Drinking a glass of water.

  • Asking ChatGPT for a list of small tasks I could do today.

  • Taking a 5-minute walk without my phone.

  • Writing one honest tweet—even if no one liked it.

I can’t control the job market. I can’t control timing. But I can show up today. And if you’re reading this, so can you.

What Actually Helps (When You Feel Like Nothing Will)

Let’s get specific. When you’re in survival mode, vague advice like “just be consistent” or “think positive” doesn’t help. You need real tools, real actions, and tiny wins that build momentum.

Here are a few pain points I’ve dealt with—and how I’ve found actual relief and progress:

If you’re struggling with focus and your mind feels like a chaotic mess of thoughts and to-do list items:
✅ Solution: Use ChatGPT like a thought organizer.

💡 Prompt:

“I have ADHD and I’m feeling overwhelmed. Can you help me break my goals into small daily tasks I can actually finish today?”

You’ll get a list of clear, bite-sized actions. It’s not magic—but it’s momentum.

If you want to take care of your body but are too tired:
✅ Solution: Start small. Micro actions are better than no action at all. Remember: You can’t become a gym rat over night. (I’ve tried)

Try this:

  • Drink a full glass of water within 10 minutes of waking up.

  • Do one minute of movement (literally just walk around your home).

  • Bounce on a rebounder while watching a podcast. (This is my favorite!)

  • Eat each meal with a significant amount of real protein.

  • Write down three things that made you feel good today—even if one is “my dog snuggled with me.”

If you struggle with anxiety first thing in the morning:

Solution: Create a custom routine that gets you up and moving. This should be based on your personal needs, likes, energy level, etc.

You can even use AI to help you create it!

💡 Prompt:

“I want to build a morning routine that helps my anxiety, gets me moving, and doesn’t take more than 30 minutes. Please make it feel manageable.”

The Bottom Line:
You don’t need to do it all today. But you can do one thing.
Support your nervous system, rebuild your confidence, and create real options—not just dreams.

These are just a few examples but there are endless tricks, tools, and tips that can be used to help you on your journey. No matter what area of your life you are trying to improve, there is always a way. Don’t be afraid to try something new and shake up your current routine. Life can surprise you sometimes!