Episode 3 - How to Make Yourself Do the Things You Keep Avoiding, Part I

The third pillar of productivity is motivation that leads to follow-through. In part I of this topic, we invite you to come sit with the rats.

You know that one task that keeps haunting the top of your to-do list day after day, and never seems to get done? Many of us struggle with tasks we simply don't want to do, even when they're important. These tasks can linger, becoming like leftovers forgotten in the fridge. They get ignored until they're stale and smellier than ever. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to make these lingering tasks easier, more approachable, and finally manageable.

Understanding Task Avoidance

Why do we avoid certain tasks? Often, it's personal. What's simple and enjoyable for one person might be daunting for another. For instance, one team member might eagerly dive into analyzing dozens of spreadsheets but dread reaching out to new contacts, while another might experience the exact opposite.

At its core, task avoidance usually stems from discomfort, uncertainty, or overwhelm. Recognizing what triggers your avoidance is the first step toward overcoming it.

Change Your Environment to Get a Fresh Start

One of the simplest yet most effective methods for tackling unwanted tasks is changing your environment. Surprisingly, small adjustments can significantly boost your productivity.

Research shows that our physical space influences how effectively we perform different types of work. For instance, rooms with high ceilings (eight feet or higher) are conducive to creativity and problem-solving, often referred to as the "cathedral effect." In contrast, spaces with lower ceilings enhance focus and analytical tasks. So if you're writing creatively, an open, airy space—or even outdoors—might help. Conversely, analytical tasks, like crunching numbers, are best done in smaller, quieter, enclosed spaces.

Temperature also matters. A study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found the optimal office temperature for productivity is around 69 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Performance noticeably declines if the temperature rises much higher.

But even beyond science-backed strategies, simply switching locations—from your regular workspace to a coffee shop or another room—can shake things up enough to break your procrastination cycle. Changing your lighting, working while standing, or even putting on a particular soundtrack can also cue your brain to engage with the task at hand.

Moah even has a dedicated soundtrack (from The Gilded Age) she plays to get her to tackle her inbox.

Make Friends with the Rats

A Dutch Zen master named Paul Loomans once described procrastinated tasks as "gnawing rats"—things that silently nag at the edges of your mind. Instead of trying to kill the rats, try sitting with them.

That means opening the doc you’ve been avoiding and just staring at it. Sit in the closet you need to clean. You don’t have to act immediately. But once you’re there, your brain can’t help but begin solving the problem. A task that once seemed daunting can become intuitive all of a sudden once you’ve put yourself in a position to begin engaging with it.

Making Tasks Easier and Less Intimidating

Another effective approach is to simplify or break down tasks, making them feel less overwhelming. Often, the hardest part is starting, so creating smaller, more manageable steps can ease you into action. Instead of "writing a report," set the goal to "write 150 words” or even “write just one paragraph.” These smaller goals significantly lower the barrier to starting and help build momentum.

Setup for Success: The Pre-Work Strategy

One highly practical tip to overcome inertia is preparing your workspace in advance. Before you head out for lunch or take a short break, set everything up for your next task. Open necessary documents, arrange your notes, open the right browser tabs, and create a clear, inviting space. When you return, the easiest path forward becomes diving straight into work, significantly reducing the resistance to getting started.

Time-Based Goals: The Pomodoro Technique

If task output feels overwhelming, shifting to a time-based goal can be liberating. The Pomodoro Technique—working for 25-minute intervals followed by a five-minute break—can be particularly effective for repetitive tasks. While it might not work for everyone, for certain tasks, setting short, manageable periods can make intimidating work feel more approachable.

Tailoring Tasks to Your Strengths

Sometimes, changing the format of your task helps make it more approachable. If creating a presentation feels overwhelming, begin by writing bullet points or a long-form outline instead. Once your ideas flow, translating them into the required format is far easier. Leveraging AI tools can also simplify this transformation, turning rough ideas into polished final products effortlessly.

Tip of the Week: Prepare Your Workspace

This week's actionable tip is straightforward yet powerful: Set up your workspace before stepping away for a break or lunch. Open the necessary files, arrange your materials, and position everything exactly as you need it. When you return, your environment will naturally guide you into productive action, turning intimidating tasks into achievable ones.

Remember, conquering task avoidance isn't about eliminating discomfort entirely but about developing strategies that make tasks feel approachable, manageable, and ultimately doable.

To learn more, listen to the full podcast episode.