Everyone feels overwhelmed about something. Some of us live in a constant state of overwhelm—knowing we need to do more, but so paralyzed by the thought of not doing it perfectly that we do nothing at all.

Disaster preparedness experts talk about doing just a little over time, rather than grabbing one expensive, overwhelming off-the-shelf kit and trying to make it work. This makes sense to me. For example, instead of buying a big kit of weird foods someone else put together, why not just add one or two extra items to your grocery cart every time you shop? Instead of filling your garage with complicated gadgets you don’t know how to use, think about finding one handy item you could enjoy using.

Over time, these little steps add up.

You may have recently made the decision to carry a concealed handgun, but feel overwhelmed with how much there is to know and do and buy and learn. That’s understandable, but don’t let overwhelm get its nasty little paws on you. Don’t let it stop your progress. Instead of panicking and trying to do everything at once, decide to do one thing. Only one. When that one thing is done and you feel good about it, do the next thing.

Where to start? It does not matter. Start where you are. Start where you want to be. Just start.

• Start by finding out what groups and classes are offered at your local range. Pick one and go.
• Start by finding a gun store that rents firearms. Then dedicate yourself to finding a gun you like to shoot by renting guns there for awhile.
• Start by learning more about holsters. Then pick one holster to try for yourself and order it online.
• Start by looking up your state law about concealed carry licenses. Then work your way down the list of things you need to do to get one.
• Start by deciding to carry just around your house until you are comfortable with your new holster. If that’s too big a step, try carrying an empty holster for awhile. Or an empty gun. Get used to the feel and weight of the gun before moving on to the next thing.

The point is, if you want to avoid overwhelm, don’t try to do everything at once. Just start where you are and learn more.

Do something. Then do the next thing. One day at a time. One thing at a time. And keep doing it.