Girl, Stop Scrolling and Take a Step: What I Learned from Content Overload

We’ve all been there: scrolling through endless content, hopping from one piece of advice to another, feeling like we’re doing all the "right things"—yet somehow, still stuck.

I get it. Been there, done that, and bought the overpriced retreat experience to prove it.

The Content Overload Moment

When I was deep into running my business, Paperclutch (RIP), I decided to invest $3,000 in a weekend retreat for business owners—the most I had ever spent on my business. During one session, they asked us to visualize ourselves 10 years into the future. While others envisioned six-figure incomes and global empires, my vision was completely different.

I closed my eyes and saw myself alone on a hiking trail.

Where did I go wrong? That should’ve been some magical moment—like I’d suddenly morph into a fearless leader with a motivational quote on a coffee mug. But instead, I felt stuck by content overload. I was trying so hard to consume all of the content, follow the best advice, and take the next step during that retreat that all of the noise left me frozen, alone, in the middle of the woods, unable to take a step. Information overload had robbed me of my mindset and $3,000. And it didn’t just end when I got home—I spent an entire year feeling paralyzed, unable to move anywhere.

The Real Cost of Consuming Too Much Content

That realization got me thinking: how much are we actually consuming on a daily basis? We scroll through endless feeds, listen to countless opinions, and soak up advice like we’re human sponges. But all that consumption? It rarely leads to action. Seriously, how many saved ideas do you have on Pinterest and TikTok versus how many of those ideas have you actually tried?

Are You Consuming or Doing?

In a world filled with constant content—articles, videos, social media updates, podcasts—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The noise surrounds us, and before we know it, we’re frozen. Frozen by the pressure to absorb more, do more, be more. But what if the key to moving forward isn’t found in more content, but in silence? We need moments of stillness so we can hear our next step. It’s simple: we get nowhere if we only consume and never actually take action.

The Micro-Minutes Matter

Pause for a second. Seriously. Think about the small moments in your day: waiting for your coffee to brew, sitting in the car rider line, or taking a quick lunch break. What are you doing in those few seconds or minutes?

If you’re like most of us, you grab your phone and start scrolling. Email check. Social media scroll. It all piles up until you feel overwhelmed, but you’re not any closer to taking action. Those micro-minutes could be used to check in with yourself, listen, and even hear whispers of guidance—if only you gave them space.

Take Back Your Time

What if, instead of filling those pockets with more content, you allowed yourself to sit in silence? Instead of mindlessly scrolling, hit mute. Take a breath. Listen. You might just hear the next step you need to take.

Think about it: Jesus retreated to solitude when he needed direction. Why? Because he knew the importance of silence in hearing God’s whispers. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be still and listen?

Stop Consuming. Start Doing.

You don’t need more content. You need more action. Confidence is built by doing.

So, the next time you find yourself scrolling in those “micro-minutes,” hit pause. Sit still. Use that time to think, not just consume. You’ll be surprised at how much farther you can go when you stop feeding the noise and start moving.

One Step to Get Started

Here’s your challenge: Take one small step today. Stop consuming, even if it's for just one moment. Start by sitting in silence during your drive. Try that Pinterest recipe you’ve been saving. Or, get up 10 minutes earlier to start your day intentionally or with a good ol' Hurkle Durkle.

Remember: You don’t need a year to get unstuck. You just need to take one step. And in those steps, you’ll find the confidence you’ve been seeking.