Getting Things Done - What if I am too lazy to get started?
Things that are going on in my head -> OK, I need to do this, this and this...
Some tasks are really annoying, so I start working around them (which is not good by the way :D). Thus, I need to find a way to make me get started.
Let's take as an example that I need to write a certain manuscript (or blog post).
I know alread it will take forever. I have to check literature in between, maybe design some tables... a lot of work, and at the beginning it does not feel like I get anything done.
I think this is the reason why we don't start a certain task, because we are scared that it will occupy us for a long time.
What can we do to get out of this misery? ;)
Exactly, we have to shorten the time until we succeed at this task, or rather: we set a mini-goal, by telling yourself - or in this case - I tell myself: OK, I will sit down now and write down the keypoints for the table of content, just so I don't forget any important points I need to cover when writing the actual manuscript. This will take me perhaps 5-10 minutes. Quite fast...
And usually when I already sit there and type down keywords and bulletpoints, I usually get some ideas about details I want to cover later. To not forget them, I immediately add them in the outline I just made in the first five minutes... Then I remember an article, that I want to add, but I forgot the title. So I start searching for it, because I don't want to forget later, which article I was thinking about... while searching for this one reference, I discover some more useful info...
You get the point, hopefully ;) suddenly, I am in the progress of fullfilling my task and it does not feel to bad anymore, because I already got started.
This is how I trick myself into a task.
Apparently, this is a widely used technique.
A few months ago in London, I talked to a successful business woman. I asked her what she would tell people who want to get started with fitness nd how they can keep the motivation up.
And she said something similiar: making small goals on your way until you just do it automatically.
Her example was also pretty good:
flossing your teeth. I know this is such an annoying thing to do :D and she said: well just agree with you to inly floss one tooth. That's nothing and your done in a minute.
Well, but when you already flossed one... why not doing the next one too, right?
Hope this will help you to get started:)
Try it and if you want: let me know in what kind of situations you used this approach;) I would love to know!
Recent Comments
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Such a good point. Thanks for sharing. Getting started is something I've always struggled with, and tricking myself with smaller goals is a big help. I've also found that a time limit, instead of a goal, works pretty well. I'll set a timer and tell myself I only have to work on a task for twenty or thirty minutes. Thirty minutes, the length of a sitcom episode. Anyone can survive thirty minutes. The trade off is, I really have to work during that time, no coffee breaks, no YouTube, no daydreaming, just work. Of course, as with your small goals, I often find myself working beyond the thirty minute mark.
actually, I have an app for that :D you set a timer like you said, for 30min or any other time, and your screen is basically locked while a virtual tree grows on the screen. when you try to check your phone, you would have to leave the app and then it asks you if you really want to kill the little tree. :D can't do that. put the phone to the side, and continue working
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How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
haha love it! :D