Reduce the Size of Your Task

The other day I was listening to an interview on a podcast. The host was talking to a psychologist and asked the question, “What do you tell people that are stuck and making no progress towards their goal?” The psychologist’s advice was to reduce the task at hand down into a small enough piece that you will actually complete it.

For example, if your goal is to climb a mountain and you look up to the top and think you can’t make it, then you need to find a smaller goal. Change your view and visualize yourself climbing to the top of the first ridge. If that seems too daunting, then focus on the first hill or the first step. Break down the task at hand until it seems manageable to you. Once the task seems more manageable, you will have the mental confidence to complete it.

Do you have a project that seems impossible to complete? Break it down into phases. If those phases seem too large, break the phases into individual tasks. Now that you have individual tasks are you ready to start working? No? Then break it down even further.

Do you have an a-Minute to write? Instead of trying to write the whole thing in one sitting, write a paragraph, or a sentence, or even just a few words. The point is to not get stuck where you are and keep the ball moving forward.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, break your task down into a small enough task that you want to get up and do it!

Until next time…we are Advoco, make every minute count.

About Colin: Colin Whitney is a Solutions Architect with Advoco and looks forward to helping others achieve their EAM goals. He is a graduate of both the University of Iowa and the University of Georgia. When he is not working he enjoys getting outside and watching college football. Questions? Send Colin an email!

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