Start-one-small-step checklist

Turn a task you keep avoiding into one action you can do now, try it for five minutes, and leave a next step you can pick up.

10 tasks

How to use it

Use it whenever you notice yourself circling a task. Pair the five-minute step with the 5-minute task starter timer. Some steps are adapted from HowToLiveBetter by eternity4719 and contributors (CC BY 4.0). Full method and sources: https://todoandtimer.com/en/blog/start-a-task-you-keep-avoiding

What's inside

Find the block 3

Write down the task you keep putting off (e.g. quarterly report)
Note what is blocking you: where to start, missing information, or no time
If there is no time: drop something else or renegotiate the deadline

Turn it into an action 3

Rewrite it as a visible action (e.g. open last month’s report and add three headings)
Put the files and links you need in front of you
Choose when to start (e.g. after lunch, before opening messages)

Try five minutes 2

Start a 5-minute timer and do only that action
If information is missing, write the question down instead of searching

Wrap up 2

Write where to start next time (e.g. check the figures in section two)
Decide: keep going, ask for help, or try again later