Getting started · 2 min read
Make the first step smaller
When a task feels too big, a tiny, concrete starting point can make it easier to begin.
Trade the project for one action
“Sort out my finances” is a project, not a next step. Try “open the latest bank statement” instead. A useful first step is something you can picture yourself doing, without having to make several other decisions first.
Give yourself permission to stop
Try a short timer and aim only to start. You can decide whether to continue when it ends. The point isn’t to trick yourself into finishing everything; it’s to make the entry point less demanding.
Leave a breadcrumb
If you pause, write down the next concrete action before you walk away. “Add the electricity bill to the list” is easier to return to than “keep working on finances.” Small steps count, even when they don’t look impressive.
These are general productivity ideas, not medical advice. Different approaches work for different people.