The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
~ Mark Twain
Have you ever felt like drowning in a sea of unfinished tasks?
Recently, I met with a client who was experiencing just that. She described a whirlwind of responsibilities, each vying for her attention, leaving her feeling unmotivated and unable to complete anything.
To my surprise, one task stood out: a pile of clothes. It had danced between my client's bed and "somewhere else" for days. As I listened, I realized this was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how taking one small step can unblock energy and break through the paralysis of overwhelm.
The Procrastination Cycle
Procrastination is sneaky. It starts small. We delay one task. More tasks join the queue. Soon, we face a mountain of responsibilities. The pile grows increasingly daunting. Avoidance creates a vicious cycle that can leave us feeling stressed, guilty, and unmotivated. However, this cycle can be broken, bringing relief and a renewed sense of control.
For my client, hanging clothes symbolized all unfinished business. Unhung clothes mocked her. They reinforced her overwhelming lack of focus and productivity at home and in her business.
A Fresh Perspective
As my client described her situation, I decided to offer a solution. Instead of merely discussing her procrastination, why not tackle it head-on? I asked her to fetch the clothes and hangers and to complete the task during our session. This request surprised her—after all, she came to me for a consultation, not closet organizing! But she obliged.
She hung clothes as we discussed her hang-ups, her business, the wins of the previous two weeks, and the next set of actions. I took notes, she hung clothes—right there, partners.
This approach served multiple purposes:
It broke the task into a manageable chunk—we were not tackling her entire to-do list, just one small part.
It provided accountability—with me present (albeit virtually), there was gentle pressure to follow through.
It created momentum—completing one task sparked the motivation to do more.
It helped unblock stagnant energy—taking action shifted my client's mental and emotional state.
The Ripple Effect
The results of that simple intervention were dramatic. That evening, I received three long text messages from my client. After our session, she tackled a long list of tasks weighing on her mind, including critical business research.
Like my client, as we break our resistance and complete one task, we feel energized to continue. We remember our capabilities. This energy shift can be transformative, unlocking our potential and propelling us forward. It is a small but significant step toward a more productive and fulfilling life. Every action we take has the power to transform our mindset and propel us toward our goals.
If overwhelmed, try these strategies:
Choose one specific task to start with—the smaller, the better.
Set a five- to ten-minute timer and commit to working on the task.
Enlist an accountability partner—someone who can check in on your progress.
Reward yourself for completing the task, no matter how small.
Reflect on how you feel after taking action.
Notice energy levels before and after.
Conclusion
Every journey begins with a single step. That first step can seem impossibly difficult. But as my client discovered, taking action—even on something as simple as hanging clothes—can be the key to unlocking our productivity, unblocking our energy, and breaking free from the paralysis of procrastination.
What is your "pile of clothes"? What task are you putting off? I challenge you to take five minutes right now and tackle it. One tiny step can get you closer to your destination.
Let's "Marie Kondo" your life. Start with small tasks. Declutter your mental space. Regain productivity and peace of mind.
Let me know how it goes. Share your experiences, your victories, and even your struggles. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Reach out.
Be safe, dear sojourners, until we see each other again on these pages or a discovery call.
Neidy Lozada, MATP, CTTC, CSIC, is an adaptive and spiritual integration coach. She brings over twenty years of experience in transpersonal practices, coaching, and business to her work with individuals from all over the globe. Neidy founded Soulful Sojourners following her long-held dream of building a company to provide top-notch coaching services to women, men, and organizations undergoing a profound transformational process. Neidy continues to serve non-profit organizations in the Bay Area through her work as a board member. She is a proud mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and devoted caretaker of furry companions.
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