You know what you need to do.

 

It’s sitting right there on your list. Maybe you’ve even moved it from yesterday’s list to today’s.

 

And yet… you’re still not doing it.

 

It’s easy to call this procrastination and start criticizing yourself.

 

 

But I’ve found there’s a much more useful question:

 

 

Maybe the task feels too big.

Maybe you don’t know where to start.

Maybe you’re worried you won’t do it well enough.

Maybe there are too many things competing for your attention.

Or maybe you’re simply depleted.

 

Instead of judging yourself for feeling stuck, get curious about what’s getting in the way.

 

Then, give your brain an easier way in.

Have a presentation to finish? Start by opening the document. Work on one slide.

 

Trying to clean the entire kitchen? Choose one counter. Clear it.

 

Feeling overwhelmed by your inbox? Choose one email. Read it and respond.

 

Then comes a part we often forget:

 

 

Instead of immediately rushing to the next task, pause long enough to let your brain register: I did it. I  took a step forward.

 

I like to make this playful. I even created my own little tool called the Backpatter – a fun reminder to give myself a well-deserved pat on the back when I accomplish something, however small.

 

There’s some neuroscience behind the playfulness.

 

Our brains learn from reward and positive feedback. Taking a moment to acknowledge progress engages the brain’s reward and motivation systems, helping reinforce the behaviors we want to repeat.

 

So when you finish that small step, don’t rush past it. Let it count.

 

 

 

1. Ask: “What is the smallest meaningful step I can take right now?”

3. Register the win. Give yourself a little Yes! A smile. A pat on the back. Take a moment to enjoy that little sense of accomplishment.

 

Then see what happens.

 

Sometimes, a little success gives your brain exactly what it needs to take the next step.

 

Next week, I’m going to share a little more about what it can look like when we work with these patterns together.