Starting.
WHY PEOPLE DELAY
The task is unclear It seems too large They fear doing it badly It is unpleasant Something else is easier
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNCLEAR TASKS
Define the very next physical action.
Not "write the essay", but "open the document and write the first paragraph".
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LARGE TASKS
Break them into parts small enough to begin.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT FEAR OF DOING IT BADLY
Write a deliberately poor first version.
WHY
A bad draft can be improved. A blank page cannot.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNPLEASANT TASKS
Commit to a short period, and stop if you still want to afterwards.
Usually you will not.
WHAT TO REMOVE
Whatever is easier and available.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Wait to feel like starting.
WHY
Motivation frequently follows action rather than preceding it.
WHAT TO TELL SOMEONE
What you will do and by when.
WHY
Accountability works, for most people.
