I do this a lot. I love working out, but sometimes I have an inexplicably hard time making myself go to the gym. I tell myself I just have to put on my workout clothes. Once I have them on, I tell myself I just have to drive there and if I don't feel like going in, I don't have to. Of course, once I get there I may as well go in, so I tell myself I just have to do one exercise and then I can leave. 99.99999% of the time I end up doing my full workout.
Love this post. It is exactly what I was talking about with my coach today. She helped me break things down but think I may even need to go smaller. This is one of the hardest parts of ADHD for me with feeling like « the rest of the world just does stuff that needs to be done! Why can’t I?!?
This is such a clear example of working with the nervous system instead of against it. The inability to start isn’t a character flaw, it’s a capacity issue.
I really appreciate the focus on the task before the task. Lowering the entry threshold and adding a guilt-free exit changes the whole emotional equation. Often the real work isn’t doing more, it’s making starting feel safe enough.
This applies far beyond ADHD. In chronic overload, starting is often the hardest part for the same reason. Gentle entry creates motion, and motion creates choice.
This is such a compassionate, practical take on task initiation. I love the “task before the task” framing. It removes shame and actually works with how ADHD brains function instead of fighting them.
I do this a lot. I love working out, but sometimes I have an inexplicably hard time making myself go to the gym. I tell myself I just have to put on my workout clothes. Once I have them on, I tell myself I just have to drive there and if I don't feel like going in, I don't have to. Of course, once I get there I may as well go in, so I tell myself I just have to do one exercise and then I can leave. 99.99999% of the time I end up doing my full workout.
Love this post. It is exactly what I was talking about with my coach today. She helped me break things down but think I may even need to go smaller. This is one of the hardest parts of ADHD for me with feeling like « the rest of the world just does stuff that needs to be done! Why can’t I?!?
This is such a clear example of working with the nervous system instead of against it. The inability to start isn’t a character flaw, it’s a capacity issue.
I really appreciate the focus on the task before the task. Lowering the entry threshold and adding a guilt-free exit changes the whole emotional equation. Often the real work isn’t doing more, it’s making starting feel safe enough.
This applies far beyond ADHD. In chronic overload, starting is often the hardest part for the same reason. Gentle entry creates motion, and motion creates choice.
Super helpful small move that builds momentum. Love it!
This is such a compassionate, practical take on task initiation. I love the “task before the task” framing. It removes shame and actually works with how ADHD brains function instead of fighting them.