04 · start something
Start Something
When a task feels too big, make the first step smaller.
What it is
Starting is often the hardest part because your brain is trying to process the entire task at once.
The whole project. The mess. The decision. The consequences. The steps you skipped. The version you think it should be.
Start Something helps you stop negotiating with the whole task and find one small point of entry.
The goal is not to finish. The goal is to begin.
How to use it
Five small steps.
- 1Name the thing you are avoiding.
- 2Ask: "What is the first visible action?"
- 3Make that action smaller.
- 4Set a short timer.
- 5Stop when you have made contact.
Good first actions
Physical, visible, specific.
instead ofWork on report
Open report documentWrite three messy bulletsFind the last versionAdd the titleSet a 7-minute timer
instead ofClean room
Pick up laundryClear one surfaceThrow away trashMake the bedPut dishes in sink
instead ofDeal with finances
Open bank appFind one billDownload one statementPut receipts in one pileSend one question to accountant
Helpful reminder
you do not have to feel ready to start. starting is often how readiness shows up.