A Better Way To Start A Hard Task

A hard task often stays hard because the first step is too large. Your brain sees the whole problem and looks for something easier.

Shrink the first move

Open the file. Write the ugly first sentence. List the unknowns. Run the test. Create the table. The first move should not require a good mood.

Separate starting from finishing

You are not promising to complete the whole task in one sitting. You are proving that the task can be entered.

Stop after creating momentum

If the block is short, end with the next step written down. Starting is easier tomorrow when today left a handle.