Stuck? Do the easiest task first

stuck_gtstjpegQ:  My friends say that I avoid the big issues by kicking the can down the road.  Frankly, I agree. I feel like my life is stuck.

A:   When you look at all of the things that you want to do, have to do and should do, it’s easy to see an intimidating and unscalable mountain. And, when you see the task at hand as being a no-win situation, it makes perfect sense avoid taking it on.  However, it’s possible that you may have been in this position for a very long time and, as a result, the cacophony of pros and cons in your head is keeping you firmly where you are.  A jumble of thoughts and a murky goal or vision can keep you emotionally churning and stuck.  Ugh!

I know you have heard this before, but it bears repeating:  Change how you look at your situation by being brutally honest.  Ask:

  • How has “kicking the can down the road” affected the quality of your life?
  • Are you stuck, unfulfilled, bored, and lonely?  If yes, what do you want your life or career to be?  Describe in detail or make a collage. [Note—Focus on “what,” not “how.”]
  • Now that you are clear about what you want and how you will feel when you attain it, are you ready to take one step?

If yes, it is time to choose the emotion that will fuel your actions.  Based on what motivates you, how will you begin? Which task on your list will you choose?

  • The easiest?–I know how to do this!
  • The most fun or engaging?
  • The fastest?—I can finish this one today!
  • The one you can complete with colleague?
  • The one that will have the most impact?

Choose one, do it now and declare victory by saying “I am on the right path!”

I recommend beginning with the low-hanging fruit– if it is fun or something you can do with a friend it is likely to be an easy first step.  For example, when I have a mountain of work in front of me, I get unstuck by scheduling a meeting or writing a thank you note unstuck_freebefore I dive into writing the next chapter of my new book.

Remember:  We all get stuck.  How quickly you get unstuck determines your happiness and success.  So, get moving — pick the easiest task and you are on your way.

 

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