So last time we talked about how being overwhelmed in various ways can cause inertia (inability to get moving, feeling stuck) and/or procrastination (putting stuff off).

If you are feeling either of these things, here are some ideas to try, to get you moving and ticking things off that to-do list.

• First off, think about why you aren’t getting on with it, or even talk it over with a friend to get to the bottom of what is holding you back. If it helps, look back at the last post  and see what symptoms you have so that you can narrow down the problem. Once you know what the road block is, you can make a plan to get round it.
• Work out what you are trying to achieve. Get a clear picture in your head. Then break it down into small steps and create an action plan. Each step needs to be really simple to complete – quick and easy – so that you can do it in 5 to 10 minutes.
• Then, make any start. It doesn’t matter where or which part or how much, just so long a you get started. Once you are going, it is way easier to keep going, so do whatever you like the sound of the most, whatever it takes to get the slightest movement so you can grab on to the momentum it gives you. Quick wins give us so much positive energy and confidence, which of course makes us want to keep going.
• Keep in mind that doing something is NEVER as bad as thinking about having to do it.
• In your head, change ‘I have to’ to ‘I want to’. Taking back the power, even just in the language of it can change your perception of the onerousness of it.
• Try to take the pressure of perfection off yourself – frame it instead as ‘just having a go’, it frees you up to have more fun with it and try new approaches.
• Use rewards or else deny yourself a pleasure until you tick it off. Or else tell someone what you are planning and get them to expect updates so you are more inclined to stick with it.
• And as I always say, you can’t achieve anything without energy, so if that is an issue for you, build energy first and then plan to get started.