The liberating verb “begin"
Datum: 2024-09-11 14:00
Postponing things we “should” do right now and how we can just get it done — this is probably the most common theme I have written about when it comes to structuring. Through the years I have conveyed tricks and tips such as:
- dividing extensive tasks into really small steps,
- working for 10 minutes and then taking a 2‑minute break five times over,
- creating a comfortable environment to work in,
- working focused for 25 minutes using an egg-timer,
- starting with some small and simple tasks first,
- and a handful of other methods.
There is a good reason for this recurring theme since procrastination is something I wrestle with myself from time to time. And judging by what most people tell me in the organizations I work with, I am not alone in having this problem — on the contrary; many of us have these tendencies.
Therefore, allow me to present yet another tip.
For you who prefer listening to reading, this post is also available as an episode of the “Done!” podcast:
One simple little word
I got this trick from Hanna who I met when I held a lecture for the renowned communications agency Gullers Grupp a while ago.
We talked about these cumbersome, large tasks that some of us tend to think we will “do later”. Some call them “leavens” (since they just ferment and make the task grow), and others refer to them as “tie me to the chair”-tasks. Then Hanna said something like: “I try to think that if I just put a “begin” in front of the task, and just start doing it, this is good enough. Then I will at least have gotten started.”
In all its simplicity, I think it is brilliant.
Whatever we have got to do which is hard to get going with, we can always at least put a “begin” in front of the task on our list. In a way, we then break it into smaller steps that are easier to check off. We take this little step, meaning we start working on the task for a while, and then we can celebrate being on our way and enjoy how nice it is to at least have gotten started instead of once again putting it off and feel even worse about it.
For instance:
- It says “Compile this month’s numbers” on your list. You add a “begin” and instead, it now reads “Begin compiling this month’s numbers”.
- On your list it said “Write the report”, but after the addition, it says “Begin writing the report”.
- You had the item “Invite people to the event” on the list, but now it says “Start sending out invitations to the event”.
(Or whatever you easily procrastinate.)
Do this
If you want to try Hanna’s trick right away, then look through your to-do-list and search for tasks that you have postponed longer than you would have wanted to.
Insert a “Begin” in front of the task.
Choose one of the “Begin”-tasks to get going with right away. When you no longer can, have the time or energy to work with it any longer, check it off and feel the joy of being on your way.
Before doing something else, define what needs to be done next (if you did not happen to finish it, that is) as a new to-do-task which you add to your list (perhaps it now starts with the verb “Continue” instead?).
The one who has begun has less left to do
If you at least start with what has been troubling you for so long, you will be on your way instead of procrastinating it again. Once you have started there will be a little less to do than before. Your workload will be just a little lighter. You can celebrate a small but pleasurable victory and feel proud of yourself.
What’s your trick?
What is your favorite trick to stop postponing things? Perhaps you have done something that helps you to never again fall into the procrastination-trap? You are more than welcome to email me and share your thoughts.
(By the way, do you know these four tricks to help you prioritize important tasks?)
Want more like this?
If you want more tips on how to create good structure at work, there are many ways to get that from me - in podcasts, videos, books, talks and other formats.
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