Help Someone Else When You’re Having Trouble Getting Started

When we’re procrastinating, it’s hard to get up the momentum to get started on a project we should be working on. Designer D Keith Robinson’s solution is to ask someone else if they need help. Once he’s done, he’s ready to work on his own projects.

Image: Andreas Klinke Johannsen.

We know that getting started is everything, but sometimes it’s hard to get the motivation to force yourself to do something. Robinson’s solution is simple:

Often, when I’m not sure where to start, or have a mountain of daunting tasks piling up, I begin by asking someone else if they need help with anything.

To me it’s probably the single best motivational/productivity tip I can think of. Sure it’s slightly counter intuitive, as you’re potentially taking on work, but the rewards are mighty. I find that after I spend some time helping someone else get started (or finished) I’m refreshed and ready to get going on my own stuff.

Yes, it’s a little counter intuitive in that you’re still distracted from what you should be doing, but it’s an easy way to take a small step towards getting yourself motivated to get things done for yourself.

Motivational Tip: Helping [dkr]


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