“If you commit to nothing, you’ll be distracted by everything.” - James Clear
The Hardest Part
The hardest part of doing anything is…
Just… getting… started…
This is because we tend to overthink everything. Well, at least I do anyway.
You see, I might have a great idea for a picture book, but then I remember how many steps there are in starting a book project: ideation, concept, storyboarding, drafting the manuscript, creating story structure, character designs, names, thumbnail sketches, writing… SQUIRREL!!!
Starting is Hard
We can distract ourselves with an infinite amount of shiny things; however, we’re just avoiding the hardest part; getting started.
Sometimes, we start calculating how long it will take to complete all the steps, or we wait for that perfect opportunity, which never comes.
All the while, we continue to delay starting until the pain of not doing the work is worse than actually doing it (think procrastination before a major deadline).
Tips for Getting Started
We’ve all been there. We know we have a difficult task or project to start; however, we tend to do shallow work, e.g., check email, follow-up with others, sharpen pencils, organize our desk, etc. New York Times best selling author of Deep Work1, & many other best-selling books, and professor at Georgetown University, Cal Newport, defines “shallow work” as less challenging tasks that can be easily accomplished without deep concentration. In other words, busy work.
If you’ve struggled with starting difficult projects, you are not alone. Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful.
Notebook and To-Do List
You don’t have to get a fancy notebook, just something you’re comfortable carrying around. Personally, I like to write the day and date at the top and draw my own boxes to check so that I put a checkmark upon completion of each task. Apparently, there’s neuroscience behind checking boxes as our brain releases dopamine2 (feel good hormone and neurotransmitter). My notes go on the right side of the notebook.
Set a Timer
Whether you prefer analogue or digital, a timer is an essential tool to keep in your toolbox to help you get started.
I like to use an hour glass, 30min hourglass to be precise. Before starting a difficult task, I flip my 30min hourglass and get to work. My goal is to work consistently on the task for 30min without interruption. My phone is set to silent, all notifications have been silent, and if possible, I close my office.
This is a game changer!
Here’s my 30min hourglass if you’re curious (ignore Grogu, he finds other uses for my hourglass)…
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Right after thinking about the project, you start to feel this pit in your stomach, or an urge to do something else. Stop! This feeling is uncomfortable; therefore, embrace the suck and just get started. You know it’s going to suck, so just do it already.
You don’t have to finish, just start it.
Thanks for reading JUST ONE THING! I hope you found this useful. Please share any tips you have in the comments; I look forward to reading them.
Until next time, keep drawing, keep writing and most importantly, keep dreaming!
https://calnewport.com/deep-work-rules-for-focused-success-in-a-distracted-world/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine
"we continue to delay starting until the pain of not doing the work is worse than actually doing it " This is absolutely right! Have to eat the frog first thing in the morning! Love the hour glass, so magical!!