July: Task Initiation — The Secret to Getting Started
Getting started is often the hardest part.
It’s the invisible wall between intention and action. You want to send the email, clean the sink, start the project — but somehow your body won’t move. Your brain floats through distraction after distraction. And suddenly it’s 3pm and nothing's begun.
That invisible wall? That’s what executive function coaches call a task initiation block. And it’s especially common for folks with ADHD or executive function challenges. Task initiation is the executive function skill that helps us transition from thinking about a task to actually doing it.
Let’s be clear: it’s not laziness. It’s not a moral failing. It’s often a nervous system response that says, "This feels overwhelming, and I don’t know how to start."
The Myth of Motivation
If you’ve ever told yourself, "I’ll do it when I feel ready," you’re not alone — but you may be waiting a long time. Motivation isn’t a reliable starting point.
Instead, let’s flip the equation: Action creates motivation.
Often, the hardest part is those first five minutes. But once you’ve opened your laptop, filled the first dishpan, or put on your walking shoes, something shifts. You’re in motion. Your nervous system has the green light. You just needed a bridge to get there.
Executive Function Practice for July
Here are a few practical ways to lower the bar and get started, even when it feels impossible:
Try the 5-Minute Timer — Set a timer for just 5 minutes. You’re not committing to the whole task — just to starting. If you stop after 5 minutes, that’s still a win.
Start with “Stupid Easy” — Pick a first step that’s so small it feels almost ridiculous. Want to clean the kitchen? Start by filling the sink. Need to write a paper? Just open the document. These micro-starts reduce the emotional friction of getting going.
Create a Launchpad — Set up a small area with everything you need to begin a specific task. For example, if you want to journal in the mornings, keep your notebook and pen by your bed. Removing obstacles = reducing resistance.
Know Your Starting Rhythm — Everyone has times of day when starting things is easier. Notice when your initiation energy is highest (e.g. mid-morning vs. evening) and plan your trickiest tasks for those windows.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Start Often
Initiation isn’t about waiting for motivation — it’s about creating momentum. The smaller the starting step, the less activation energy you need. This month, practice lowering the bar and celebrating tiny starts. Because once you’re in motion, everything gets easier.
Coming Up Next Month
August: Focus — Helping attention find its anchor.