Why can’t I do it? Starting tasks

Starting tasks – So, have you ever tried warming up?

Here’s something to think about: If you hit the gym, you know it’s not a good idea to go immediately for your maximum reps or maximum weight. You just hurt yourself and have to go home early, possibly with some shame on your face. It would be best if you warmed your muscles up first.  I think this is true for our brains, particularly around tasks. We need to warm up first.

Reminded of this recently while doing an 800-metre set. That means running 800 meters multiple times, in my case, ten, which seems like a lot, looking back on it. It was killing me because I couldn’t run as fast as I wanted to in the first set, and my body wasn’t warmed up. On the second set, I went too hard, which hurt just as much. I noticed I didn’t allow myself time to warm up and reach my full potential to run my best 800 meters.

Tasks differ from running and physical exercise, which I accept, but that doesn’t mean the same principles don’t apply.

Here’s an example of starting tasks: My writing regimen

As someone with dyslexia, I’ve had to develop a structured approach to create written work effectively. This framework has become my go-to method for writing:

• Stretching – do anything active to get the brain working.
• Warmup: This is completing research. It could be something in my notes or something that catches my eye on the web.
• Loading the body involves doing a rough draft, which is more of a brain dump of activity. Things are getting warmed up nicely now.
• Starting to hit my stride – is to review the draft typically after resting after the intensive activity of the first draft.
• Breather – is to send it to someone else to proofread. This is great because it gives another pair of eyes on my work, gives me a place to stop and allows me to reflect on their comments.
• Final push – make any corrections or changes before publishing.

This approach might seem lengthy, but it helps me get moving effectively. Incorporating small accountability steps keeps me on track, prevents me from feeling lost, and motivates me to keep going. Of course, this method isn’t for everyone. Like any strategy, it’s worth testing to see if it works for you.

Building a supportive structure could make a big difference if you find it challenging to start tasks, stay on track midway, or finish them.

These challenges are often linked to certain neurodivergent conditions. Feel free to reach out if you or someone you work with could benefit from discussing ways to manage this. I specialise in helping individuals find effective strategies to move forward and tackle these obstacles.