Start before the first draft feels perfect

Decide what needs to move forward today

“Work on my project” doesn’t tell you what to do when you sit down. Choose something you can point to: three ideas on paper, one question sent, a first section drafted.

Watch for an appealing detour, such as reorganising your workspace when you need to write a message. The first step should touch the task itself.

An exercise: a version you can actually begin

Pick a task you’ve been putting off and complete these three sentences. A piece of paper is enough.

1. What matters to me about this task is…
2. The smallest step that serves that purpose is…
3. I’ll know this step is finished when…

Example: a difficult message

Purpose: ask a colleague to clarify something. First step: write the question without an introduction. Done means: one sentence the other person can answer.

You can then add useful context and check your tone. A draft doesn’t have to be elegant to help you work out what you’re asking. Read it before sending, though: starting small doesn’t mean skipping checks.

After the first step, notice what is missing

You’ve written the question but still hesitate. That doesn’t automatically mean you lack willpower. You might need information, agreement or a clearer boundary. Name what’s missing: asking for it can be your next action.

If the step only kept you busy, adjust it. The purpose isn’t to add another tick to a checklist.

When more preparation is the right choice

A decision that’s hard to undo, a significant expense or work affecting someone’s safety may need an extra check. In that case, make the first step preparation or verification rather than execution.

This is one way to explore getting started. It doesn’t promise to resolve every reason a task feels difficult.