It’s important to consistently tick of tasks on your to-do list. Being productive frees up time, prevents us stressing and makes us feel good. There are 3 consequences when tasks aren’t done:
- Mental energy is wasted because the task is on your mind, it sits at the back of your skull nagging away.
- There’s a consequence either big or small, but there is a loss to you, such as: frustration, stress, a loss of self-development, disappointment, financial loss…
- You’re creating a bad habit, meaning that a lack of drive and motivation becomes the norm. By neglecting one task, then another, before you know it nothing gets done.
Not starting a task is one of the main reasons we end up procrastinating. This impacts our productivity and overall wellbeing.
Here we look at 9 simple methods to help you start that task. Methods to give you that push you need. Adopting these methods and developing them into habits will help you achieve your goals.
But why is procrastination so common? There’s lots of literature available asking this same question and trying to remedy it. Resulting in many blogs, Apps and books to help put an end to procrastination. What is stopping us completing tasks?
Why do we struggle to start that task?
When we have a task to complete, we think about it before we start it. Often the thoughts we have about it will put us off. These thoughts, our mindset, habits, motivation and many other factors effect if we start a task or not.
Here are common reasons for procrastination:
- Fear of failure: the worry that our efforts will result in us making mistakes, being judged and the consequences of our actions.
- Perfectionism: delay because of concern that we can’t complete the task to the highest standard. Therefore we spend ages preparing for it, but never starting it.
- Overwhelm: when a task appears too large or complex for our current abilities or knowledge.
- Not know where to start: as with overwhelm we don’t feel capable of commencing the task, it’s unfamiliar, so we don’t know how to start it.
- A lack of clarity: when we’re given a task to complete, it may not be accompanied with clear instructions. So we don’t know what’s required of us, or how the task should look when completed.
- Low energy: there’ll be times when we’re physically or mentally too tired to do anything, apart from rest and recuperate.
- Lack of interest or motivation: a job may not seem important or at the time we are simply in Aden unmotivated mindset.
- Too busy: there never seems to be enough hours in the day, when it appears there’s no time in the day to start a new task.
- Distractions: this is when we intend to do a task but we get distracted. There are many reasons we become distracted, including, social media to streaming services.
- Negative self-talk: the internal chatter that says ‘we can’t do something’, and if we attempt it, we’ll fail.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”
Lao Tzu
The 9 methods to help you start that task
So let’s look at the ways to help you take that first step. To help you start something you’ve been putting off for too long:
#1. Imagine a successful outcome
By having a positive attitude, we’re more likely complete the task. A great way to imagine a positive outcome is through visualisation. By visualising the outcome of the task in a positive way, you’re more likely to start it.
If you struggle with visualization, write down what a successful outcome looks like. Describe it in detail, include the benefits and how you would feel.
Both methods are useful to motivate you to get that task started.
#2. Give yourself a time limit
Simply starting a task is often the best method to ensure it will be completed. This may seem counterintuitive because we’re used to preparing to do something. However, sometimes just starting is the key.
A simple method for this is to set a timer and to work on this task for a minute or two. This way the task seems achievable, as you’re not intending to invest too much time in it.
The reasoning behind this is simple. By starting the task you’ll build momentum, and once started you’ll want closure. It may highlight that the task wasn’t as difficult or overwhelming as first thought.
#3. Break the task down
When a task appears too big or complex and you feel overwhelmed break it down into small tasks. By doing this the task becomes more achievable.
This can be as simple as writing down what the task is and trying to break it down into mini tasks. I will also help to identify how to start, which is often one of the biggest challenges.
Creating manageable steps gives us a plan, a way we can achieve the task. Which helps to diminish its complexity and reduce overwhelm.
#4. Start with the easiest bit
When you have a job that needs doing which you’ve been putting off, identify the easiest part to do or the most enjoyable bit.
The easiest part will normally take a few minutes and be straight forward. An example of this is when I had to complete a self-assessment tax form. It was a task I put off for months. Because I found it overwhelming. I started with the easiest bit, setting up the account. Completing this first step created momentum.
The most enjoyable part of the task will often be obvious. DIY is a great example, if you had an old shed or wall to remove, the fun bit is the demolition. Get that done and you must complete the task.
#5. Remove distractions
Distractions delay us from starting a task. It’s doing something else instead of what we should be doing. A distraction steals our focus.
To be more productive we need to eliminate distractions. Distractions come in many guises, including watching your favourite programme, notifications on your phone, having visitors or simple environmental noise.
These distract us from the task at hand. However distractions can be dealt with. You can turn off phone notifications and tell people you’ll not be available.
#6. Be accountable for your actions
You’re responsible for your actions and lack of action. Taking responsibility for your progress is good, but if it doesn’t push you to start the task, you’ll feel like you’re failing to achieve anything.
A better method to start and follow the task through to fruition is to be accountable to others. Do this by telling people what you want to achieve, using social media or talking with friends, family or colleagues.
An example is if you wanted to complete a half marathon. Being accountable and sharing your ambition will motivate you. There’s a higher probability that you’ll make progress.
#7. Create a schedule to complete tasks
Life is busy and there’s always something more interesting to do than your to-do list. When we’re tired, busy, or otherwise occupied we struggle to find time for things which need doing.
A way to overcome this is to schedule the task. Put it on your calendar or in your diary. Set an alarm so you know that at the specific time you’ll be busy.
It’s also best to schedule it when you know you won’t be too tired and the environment around you won’t be too hectic. With some preplanning you’ll make time to get stuff done.
#8. Identify why it matters
Why does the task matter? It matters because there will be a consequence. If there wasn’t there would be no reason to do it. Make a list of all the potential benefits and consequences of not starting and completing the task.
Potential benefits can include things like, personal growth, keeping your partner happy, career advancement or the satisfaction of getting it done. It’s important to focus on the benefits to motivate yourself.
The consequences can be minimal or substantial. For example, not sorting out the noise in your car engine could result in annoyance or substantial mechanical damage.
It can be beneficial to think of what the worst outcome would be. But within the realms of reality the likelihood of it happening.
#9. Embrace a growth mindset
A growth mindset is when you don’t limit yourself. A belief that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for learning and self-development.
For example, you know a task is challenging but rather than being afraid to start it, you’re excited about starting it. You know it’s a chance to challenge yourself, put effort in and persevere until the task is complete. It’s the amazing ability to grow and become better through benefiting from making mistakes.
Ensure you approach every task with a positive attitude. This is how I like to view new, intimidating, and overwhelming tasks. Although initially daunting, I know I’ll get a lot out of the process, even if I don’t complete the task as planned. So, in future I’ll be better prepared, knowledgeable and resilient.
Conclusion to start that task
We want to finish things that we start, closure is something that we crave. However, if we never start the task we never benefit from the learning and momentum that we get from it.
The 9 methods discussed offer practical methods to start any task. From visualising success to embracing a growth mindset, each approach provides a unique perspective on overcoming procrastination and getting started.
Starting a task is often the most challenging part. However, by breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps, setting a time limit, and eliminating distractions, we build momentum and overcome procrastination.
Moreover, accountability, scheduling tasks, and identifying their significance provide added motivation and clarity, helping us stay focused and committed.
Ultimately, adopting a growth mindset can transform our approach to tasks, and life in general. It’s an amazing habit to adopt, seeing challenges as an opportunity for growth and learning. By embracing this mindset, we can cultivate resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude towards tackling tasks, even when they seem daunting.
In essence, starting a task is the first step towards achieving our goals and realising our potential. As we act and make progress, we gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. So, use these methods to break free from procrastination, and be more productive.