Whenever I notice myself avoiding or resisting acting on something I actually want to do, I pay close attention to my excuses or even valid reasons for why I just can’t start now: feeling too unexperienced, knowledgeable or equipped; not knowing where to start; perfectionism (you know, the “I’ll start working on this project when I have all the possible information, skills and expertise to get it right…the first time around” kind of thinking), etc…

(Fill in the blank here with your own reason for resisting working towards a desired goal)

Although understanding where your resistance is coming from, sometimes the most effective or even only prescription for getting started is simple: Do it…NOW!

Using a small steps approach is all about this: to get moving in a direction you value, just start somewhere and fuel up on the energy and satisfaction of being one, two or three steps closer to being where you want to be, rather than being where you were 10 years ago: still thinking about how to go about it the “right” way. 

When we feel a little stuck in life, chances are that we are stuck in “analysis paralysis”, an “all-thinking-no-movement” syndrome. Small and directive action, regardless of how small, is an amazing anti-stagnation potion that can quickly lift a dark mood and negative spiral thinking.

So, with this is mind, what is a goal or project you’ve temporarily abandoned or been avoiding lately? What is one thing you can do right now to get you one step closer to manifesting this goal?

 If you’ve come up with an answer, you’re halfway there. Now (yes, I mean NOW) do it! I mean it. Step away from the computer, hang up the phone, close your door and allow yourself 5 to 10 minutes to ACT on your intention.

NOW.

“It’s a job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.“ – J.R.R. Tolkien

Last night, I was staring blankly at my agenda, dreading the usual question I pose before writing a to-do list: “How do I want to live purposefully today?” I write “blankly” because a bout of resistant procrastination had set in, and my motivation was a little testy. I knew what I “should’ be writing on my rather task-oriented list, but a rebellious part of me played dumb and mindlessly stared at my so-far blank sheet of paper.

I heard a whiney voice inside me protest whenever I thought of what should go on my to-do list. 

“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.“ – Reggie Leach

Rather than put my pen down to go raid my pantry for treats (read: procrastinate), I re-framed my initial question to: “What’s one very small thing I can do to move ahead in my project and / or (notice the option here!) to feel good about myself?“

Then, two things happened: 

1. I had fun brainstorming on the endless possibilities of small steps
2. The 2-in-1 question lead to the creation of a nifty 2-column to-do list:  

• “Not-so-exciting-but-a-priority“ tasks  
• “Fun Stuff / Rewards“ 

And suddenly, I observed my resistance melting and giving way to enthusiasm!

This was just the kind of motivation  I needed to propel into purposeful action, and it was as simple as:

• Asking small questions (and by-passing the overwhelm created by big questions and big steps)
• Making FUN a priority (but never forcing it) 
• Using fun as a reward and motivation to get the other stuff done
• Resisting the urge to weigh down my to-do list with too many items (I kept it light baby!)

In case you’re curious how I followed through after this simple exercise, I’m happy to report that today was very fruitful and fun. I got ahead on my project and got to play!  

What’s one itty bitty thing you would feel good about doing today? And how would you like to reward that effort?

• Reading a good book, absolutely guilt-free? 
• Treating yourself to a luxurious coffee? 
• A simple but well-deserved pat on the back…or maybe a celebratory jig?