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Pearls Perfected Institute

Overwhelmed and Stuck? This Woman Pushed Through and Created Anyway

Mar 13 / Dr. Janice R. Love
Since the emergence of online learning, there has been a discussion on whether online classes are better

Want to create but find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Many aspiring writers and content creators find themselves paralyzed by too many ideas, self-doubt, or lack of direction. But history has shown that even the most successful women once faced these same struggles—and conquered them. Let’s explore the story of an inspiring woman who overcame overwhelm and lack of direction to create powerful, lasting content.

 

Ava DuVernay – Finding Her Path Through Action

Have you watched the movie Selma? Selma is a powerful historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay, released in 2014. It depicts the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The film was critically acclaimed for its emotional depth, historical accuracy, and compelling performances.

 

Ava DuVernay’s Journey to Selma

Ava DuVernay started her career in film after working in journalism and PR. She didn't attend film school, but her passion for storytelling led her to create her first feature, I Will Follow (2010), followed by Middle of Nowhere (2012), which won her the Best Director award at Sundance—making her the first Black woman to win that honor.

 

Her independent filmmaking style, focus on racial justice, and deep empathy for Black experiences made her the perfect director for Selma. Her completed work is a testament to her determination, resilience, and refusal to let obstacles hold her back. She wasn’t handed opportunities—she created them. Because of her hard work and determination Selma received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and won Best Original Song for "Glory" by John Legend and Common.


Overcoming Roadblocks on the Way to Selma

No Film School, No Problem: Unlike many top directors, DuVernay didn’t go through traditional film school training. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, she used her background in journalism and PR to study storytelling, marketing, and audience engagement, which gave her a unique edge in independent filmmaking.

 

Funding Her Own Work: Before Selma, she didn’t have big studios backing her projects. So, she financed her first feature, I Will Follow, herself. This DIY approach gave her control over her storytelling and proved she could make high-quality films with limited resources.

 

Breaking Barriers as a Black Woman in Hollywood: The industry wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Black female directors. Instead of waiting for approval, DuVernay created her own path, founding ARRAY, a distribution company focused on amplifying work by women and people of color.

 

Taking on Selma Without Fear: When she was brought onto Selma, she faced a huge challenge—rewriting an existing script that she felt didn’t fully capture the depth of the movement. She had to reshape MLK’s speeches without using his original words (since the rights were tied up with another studio). But instead of feeling stuck, she leaned into the challenge, crafting dialogue that still carried the weight and spirit of King’s oratory.

 

Handling Hollywood Politics: Despite delivering a critically acclaimed film, Selma faced hurdles during awards season, receiving only two Oscar nominations (Best Picture and Best Original Song) while DuVernay and Oyelowo were snubbed in the directing and acting categories. Rather than letting the disappointment stop her, she kept pushing forward, using her platform to call out industry biases and create space for other underrepresented filmmakers.

 

Since Selma, DuVernay has continued to push boundaries in filmmaking, with projects like 13th (a documentary on mass incarceration), A Wrinkle in Time, and When They See Us (about the Central Park Five). She remains a trailblazer in Hollywood, advocating for greater representation of Black voices and women in film.


Choosing Action Over Overwhelm

Ava DuVernay never let frustration or the enormity of her goals paralyze her. Instead, she embraced a mindset of movement—always taking the next step forward, no matter how small. Whether it was self-funding a film, rewriting scripts under pressure, or advocating for herself and others, she refused to let external obstacles define her path. Her story is proof that when the doors don’t open, you build your own.


How You Can Overcome Overwhelm and Lack of Direction

If Ava could push past overwhelm, so can you. Here are 7 ways to move forward when you feel stuck:

 

1. Start Small

Don’t try to tackle an entire book, blog series, or course at once. Start with one page, one post, or one video.

2. Set Micro-Goals

Break down your project into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small wins to build momentum.

3. Limit Distractions

Create a dedicated time and space for your work. Turn off notifications and set boundaries with family and friends.

4. Adopt a “Done is Better Than Perfect” Mindset

Perfectionism can paralyze you. Focus on finishing, then refine later.

5. Find an Accountability Partner

Having someone to check in with can keep you on track and motivated.

6. Trust the Process

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. Learn as you go.

7. Remember Your Why

Why do you want to create content? Who will benefit from your words? Keep this at the forefront to stay motivated.

 

Take the First Step Today

Overwhelm and lack of direction don’t have to hold you back. The most successful creators once felt the same way—but they took action anyway. Start with one small step today, and trust that clarity and confidence will come with time. Your content matters, and the world is waiting for your voice.

 

Blessings,

Dr. Janice R. Love

 

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