Anyone have any helpful tips/ tricks on how to JUST START, even when overwhelmed by the task? I try different methods; breaking down into chunks, color coded lists, timers, pomodorro, task managers— nothing seems to stick. But I have to figure out how to get past procrastination because at some point that’s what the “planning” part turns into..
I read that even the tiniest tasks get you a little spike in dopamine, so I can kickstart myself into sort of snowballing my dopamine enough to get started on the doom task. Start by one that you don’t hate so much like for me just get dressed, then that leads to fix my hair, that leads to brushing my teeth, that leads to straightening the bathroom that leads to checking the laundry and eventually you’ll get enough dopamine to tackle the big one hopefully lol but body doubles and deadlines work the best like I have to leave in a an hour for work, that really gets stuff done
I can talk myself out of anything in 5 seconds. So I count backward before I get to one I do whatever the thing is 5432 go. As soon as I think of the thing I do it.
Every time you feel too overwhelmed to do something you need to do, make a LARGE “fun drink” (any drink that you really enjoy and gives you a happy boost). Preferably a cold drink, as warm drinks seem to make me tired. Carry your fun drink around to wherever your task is - cleaning the house? Carry it around as you clean. Taking a bath/shower? Find a way to sip on it in there. Working outside? Take it outside. Working? Bring it to your desk. You get the picture. Make it your goal to work on that task until your drink is all gone. You’ll find that you can get a lot done in that amount of time. After building a habit of this, the excitement of having a fun drink will become all the motivation you need and will make just about any task seem doable
I get mad to myself telling you this but my tip is to just do it like open the tab or hold the pillow (making your bed), open the book. Touch the action. Putting myself in situations like there’s no other choice for instance my flatmate needs the bathroom and If I don’t take the shower now I won’t be able to shower until tomorrow. By just doing it I try to think okay I’m just an automat and I can stop the process whenever I want. It’s painful but then I feel great and congratulate myself so doing it is the reward itself. I know we carry a lot of guilt but better little progress than none. Best of luck and I’m willing to read more friendly tips than what I do 😖🤲🏻💗
