Work that does not get started.
WHY SOME TASKS ARE AVOIDED
They are large The first step is unclear The outcome is uncertain They involve something uncomfortable
WHAT AVOIDANCE LOOKS LIKE
Doing smaller tasks instead Repeated preparation without starting Waiting for a better moment
WHY IT PERSISTS
Avoiding produces immediate relief.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LARGE TASKS
Break them into parts small enough to start.
WHAT SMALL ENOUGH MEANS
Something you could begin within minutes.
WHY THAT THRESHOLD
Starting is the difficulty, not continuing.
WHAT TO IDENTIFY
The actual first action.
WHY ACTION SPECIFICALLY
Tasks described as objectives rather than actions do not get started.
WHAT EXAMPLES SHOW
Not: prepare the proposal
But: list what the proposal must cover
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNCLEAR TASKS
Make the first step establishing what is required.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT UNCOMFORTABLE TASKS
Do them early in the day.
WHY
They consume attention while pending, and the discomfort does not reduce.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT TASKS YOU KEEP DEFERRING
Ask whether they need doing at all.
WHY
Some repeatedly deferred tasks are being deferred correctly.
WHAT TO DO IF THEY DO
Schedule them, specifically, and start.
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That beginning badly beats not beginning.
WHAT TO AVOID
Waiting for conditions that will not arrive.
