Hardest is always to start
Starting any task can feel overwhelmingly difficult, especially when anxiety and a lack of motivation are involved. From personal experience, I found that small, intentional actions can create a significant shift in mindset and energy. One simple yet effective technique is something I call “motivation by force.” For example, throwing your blanket out the window might sound strange, but it forces you to either endure the cold or get up and retrieve it. This playful challenge jolts the brain out of inertia and encourages movement. Another surprisingly helpful hack is wearing socks and shoes even if I have no plans to go anywhere. This small act tricks my brain into thinking that I’m ready for action, which often leads to actual movement and productivity. When I feel completely frozen by anxiety and unable to start, I turn to somatic practices. Using apps like Groundly, which combine emotional dumping with somatic resets, helps me release overwhelming feelings physically and mentally. This reset is a game changer for regaining focus and energy. Visualization also helps me overcome resistance. I imagine a documentary crew filming my success story. This mental framing creates a sense of accountability and excitement that pushes me to take that crucial first step – even if it’s tiny. Lastly, breaking tasks down into the smallest possible start makes the hurdle less intimidating. Telling myself that I only need to do the first 90 seconds or fold one shirt reduces the pressure and helps me begin. Logging this intention in a journal first also gets anxious thoughts out of my head, making starting a task more manageable. Combining these approaches recognizes that the hardest part is often just to begin. But with some creative strategies and self-compassion, overcoming anxiety and low motivation to start becomes achievable and eventually empowering.
