Task Initiation: 5 Strategies to Use When You're Feeling Stuck

We've all been there: staring at a to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to be done, yet feeling a strange, immovable resistance. That “wall of awful” feeling can be the biggest hurdle to productivity and task initiation. Task initiation is an executive function that involves the ability to start a task or activity promptly and without unnecessary delay 

If you struggle to get going, you're not lazy: you just need the right tools to build momentum. 

5 Actionable Strategies to Get “Unstuck”

1.  Eat the Frog 

This classic productivity strategy is all about prioritization and facing resistance head-on. 

The "frog" is your biggest, most dreaded, and most important task of the day. 

• How it works: Do that one massive, difficult task first thing in the morning. 

• Why it works: By tackling the hardest thing immediately, everything else on your list feels easier by comparison. You build significant momentum and avoid spending mental energy dreading the task all day. 

Pro Tip: Choose 1-3 frogs each morning and block your calendar with “frog time.” Turn the event green if you’ve completed the task, and red if you did not to track your progress! These can be from the same project or task, or 3 completely unrelated tasks: whatever is best for your brain. 

2. Commit to a Small First Step 

Sometimes, the task feels overwhelming because we're looking at the finish line instead of the starting point. The goal isn't to finish the entire project—it's just to start. 

• How it works: Break your task down into the absolute smallest, simplest first action possible. 

• Instead of: "Write the report." 

• Try: "Open the document and type the title." 

• Instead of: "Clean the kitchen." 

• Try: "Clear one dish from the counter." 

• Why it works: A tiny step lowers the barrier to entry significantly. Once you complete that first micro-action, your brain registers a small win, making the next step much easier to take. 

3. Commit to 5–10 Minutes  

If a task seems to demand hours of focus, your brain might resist starting. This strategy tricks your brain into believing the commitment is minimal, which often leads to continued momentum! 

• How it works: Set a timer or stopwatch for just 5 to 10 minutes and work on the task until the timer goes off. 

• Why it works: Nine times out of ten, when the timer rings, you'll be in flow and decide to continue working. If you still stop, you've at least made significant progress and can repeat the 5-10 minute commitment later. 

4. Wheel of Names (or Simple Randomizer) 

Do you have a list of tasks but can't decide which one to tackle? Decision freeze is a huge barrier to initiation. Remove the choice entirely and leave it to the randomizer tools. 

• How it works: Use a free online tool like Wheel of Names or simply write your tasks on pieces of paper and draw one from a jar. 

• Why it works: By outsourcing the decision-making process to chance, you save mental energy. Once the task is selected for you, the only choice left is to start it. 

5. Body Doubling 

This strategy is especially effective for those who thrive in a social or supervised environment with increased accountability. 

• How it works: Work on your task in the presence of another person (a "body double"). This person doesn't even need to be working on the same thing or actively coaching you. They just need to be there. 

• In-person: Work beside a partner, roommate, or in a coffee shop. 

• Virtual: Join a quiet video call with a friend or use a co-working app. 

• Why it works: The non-judgmental, passive presence of another person creates a subtle accountability and focus structure, making it harder to get distracted and easier to stay on task. 

The Takeaway 

Task initiation isn't about brute force; it's about finding the right psychological leverage. Try integrating one of these strategies the next time you feel the drag of procrastination. You might be surprised at how quickly that mountain of tasks starts to shrink! 

Do you want to explore more strategies that are customized to fit your needs? Schedule a FREE consultation today and sign up for coaching today!