How I lower friction, when I can't get started.
Let's be honest,
Some days I don’t want to go into my booth and do auditions.
We’ve all been there, right? (Auditions for you can mean whatever you want)
Maybe it’s already dark outside.
Maybe today just took more out of you than expected.
But that deadline is at 9pm...YIKES.
And then suddenly it’s "poop or get off the pot"
Do you “Just do the dang thing”? And power through it?
Granted, Sometimes that does work. But often I need a little help.
No, not that kind of help. We're not doing any lines. It’s not THAT deep.
Instead, I keep what I call Ignition Cues nearby.
Ignition Cues are small actions that help me get moving when motivation isn’t leading the way. They’re not a checklist and there’s no order. I grab one based on my needs at the moment.
Ignition Cues List “Menu” Ideas
MY Ignition Cues list:
Clear your desk
Change working location
Cycle for 10 minutes
Go for a walk
Breakdown task into smaller ones
This may seem silly, but sometimes it's as small as open my inbox or read the specs.
The goal isn’t excellence, it’s ignition. Have you heard of the 5 minute rule? It's based on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), it's a widely accepted and evidence based technique to overcome "task paralysis" many of us face a on regular basis. It tackles the hardest part of any task "getting started" and often generates enough momentum to continue.
Please feel free to develop and list out your own "Ignition Cues" that help you feel ready to tackle a task!
Then there's the other problem...
You get moving, things are rolling, and 15 minutes later "PING" or more likely "BZZZ BZZZ". Notifications start going off.
And let me guess, you pick up your phone to see how important it is, decide it's worth opening because you can only read half the first sentence and still have no idea what it is, then you see two other notifications and then suddenly you're 30 minutes down a rabbit hole looking at cat videos.
That’s where my Attention Anchors come in.
Attention Anchors are quick, low-effort actions I use when I notice myself getting distracted and want to lock back in without stopping the session entirely.
Attention Anchors I use to get back on task
MY Attention Anchors list:
Close the extra browser tabs I don't need right now.
Get a Coke Zero or refill my water
Use my headphones for noise cancellation, but not turn on music
Log my progress for the day, (assuming there is any at this point)
Ignition Cues help me start.
Attention Anchors help me stick around.
Neither require motivation. They just lower the friction, the barrier to entry and stay on task.
What would this look like for you? What do you currently do when you're "not feeling it"?
And what brings you back when your focus slips and the world is vying for your attention?
Hit reply and let me know one cue or anchor that works for you. Or ones you come up with for yourself! I read every response, and I might share a few in a future post.
Because “just do the thing” isn’t always helpful.
Sometimes you need a cue. Sometimes you need an anchor.
And some days, you need both.
Thanks for reading!
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