The Power of Starting: Overcoming Procrastination

Alright, let's discuss one of those sly little offenders that like playing around with our output—waiting for the "perfect moment." You know, that wonderful moment when the stars line up, the coffee is made exactly perfect, and you feel as like you could instantly rule the planet. A hint of spoilers: that moment? It hardly shows up at all. If it does, chances are someone else has already lapped you since they did not wait for it.

The Truth About Waiting for the Perfect Moment

The truth is that unproductive individuals are excellent waiters. Waiting till they "in the mood," waiting for the proper conditions, waiting until Mercury isn't in retrograde (or whatever reason sounds great that day). The chance is literally right in front of them, but instead of approaching the door they are merely waiting for it to swing open on its own. Newsflash: it won't.

Overanalyzing: Procrastination in Disguise

I understand today. Please trust me; I get it. If you are anything like me—that is, if you overanalyze everything—you have most likely spent far too much time considering alternatives in your thoughts and evaluating advantages and drawbacks. Should it go wrong, what then? Not ready? What if I am? Suppose I appear like an idiot? Not too unusual. Yes, same. The truth is, though, overanalyzing is simply procrastinating dressed in a nice masquerade. The only way to beat it is to get used to merely starting. Like now.

The Science of Activation Energy

Let me toss a little science your way since, sometimes a good metaphor makes all the difference. Ever come across anything known as activation energy? This is a chemistry word that describes the lowest energy required to initiate a reaction. The truth is that the first surge of energy—that which starts the reaction—is nearly always far higher than the energy needed to sustain it. Consider it as starting a campfire: once the spark is going, you simply toss on a log now and then to keep it alive; getting the spark takes work.

Rockets, Razors, and Momentum

Let us now move more broadly. Razors. Indeed, rockets are used (Stay with me right here.) A rocket must hit something known as escape velocity—about seven miles per second—to free Earth from its gravitational pull. That's practically instantaneous, and during the first launch practically all the energy is burned up. Following that she is cruising smoothly. Alright, possibly not "smooth," but you understand. Starting requires the most work; once you are moving, maintaining momentum is much simpler.

What Are You Avoiding?

And what do you suppose? You and I, then we are neither distinct. Whether it's drafting that report, organizing the garage, or at last launching that side project, the toughest aspect of practically everything—including writing—is getting off the couch (or out of your brain) and initiating that first movement. This makes it quite easy to keep postponing things. Tomorrow sounds better, then. The good news, though, is that you are golden once you start. Things moving usually remain in motion. That is life, not only philosophy.

So, let me probe you: what thing you have been avoiding? You grasp what I mean here. The project that has been hovering on your to-do list for several weeks. You meant to send an email here. The dream you persuade yourself will pursue "someday." Suppose you started instead of waiting for the ideal moment. As like now. Now.

The Perfect Moment Is a Myth

The fact is that the ideal moment is not approaching. Yet you? You are primed. You only have to start the journey.

For more insights on overcoming procrastination, check out this Wikipedia article on procrastination. Learn about the science of activation energy from Search Engine Journal. For tips on productivity, visit Forbes.