Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast — part of the Building Better Businesses season — Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle an all-too-common challenge: how to stop chasing your tail when you’re overwhelmed.

When panic sets in, it’s easy to feel trapped and exhausted. But by learning to recognize the signs early and taking small, strategic steps, you can break the cycle and get your progress back on track.

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Stop Chasing Your Tail: Recognize When You’re Stuck

Panic usually strikes when we realize we’re no longer moving forward. Rob describes this moment as a dog chasing its tail — you suddenly become aware that you’re going nowhere, which triggers frustration or fear.

Common causes include:

• Overcommitment and unrealistic expectations
• Financial stress from unplanned expenses
• Projects running off course
• Emotional burnout from constant pressure

Callout: “Sometimes the best first step is to simply stop and admit: this isn’t working.” — Rob Broadhead

Before rushing to fix everything at once, take a moment to breathe. Acknowledge where you are without judgment — it’s the first step toward real progress.

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Reset Your Focus and Stop Chasing Your Tail

Once you’ve caught yourself chasing your tail, the next step is resetting your focus. Michael Meloche shared a simple but powerful process:

1. Assess the Situation: Figure out why you’re stuck. Time, money, overcommitment? Identify the actual causes.

2. Set a Realistic Goal: Pick an achievable objective. Make sure it’s something you believe you can reach.

3. Take One Step Forward: You don’t need to solve everything today. Just move one inch closer to your target.

Rob emphasized that panic often prompts us to make bad decisions. Instead, progress happens through small, steady steps, and each small win builds confidence.

Pro Tip: If your goal feels overwhelming, break it into even smaller milestones.

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Take Your First Step: Stop Chasing Your Tail Today

The biggest challenge once you’re stuck is picking your first step. It doesn’t have to be huge — it just needs to be in the right direction.

• Need to fix your finances? Cancel one small expense today.
• Overwhelmed with work? Finish one small task you’ve been avoiding.
• Stuck in a complicated client relationship? Draft an email to start the conversation.

Callout: “Momentum builds when you focus on just one small, positive action at a time.” — Rob Broadhead

Even slowing down your tail-chasing a little bit helps. Eventually, you’ll regain control, stop spinning, and move purposefully toward your goals.

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Challenge of the Episode

This week’s challenge is simple but powerful:

If you feel stuck, take just one step forward today.

Pause. Breathe. Pick one action that moves you closer to your goal. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel once you’re driving — even if it’s just one small victory.

And remember, Rob and Michael invite you to reach out anytime at [email protected] if you want to share your journey or need a boost of encouragement. You’re not alone — we’re all building better businesses, one step at a time!

Additional Resources

• Developer Tools That Transform: Habits for Smarter Development
• Managing Stress Through A Calculated Approach
• Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects
• Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content