Overcoming Adult Inaction - A Guide to Getting Things Done
Day 6 of the 15-Day Writing Challenge
🔨 "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking." — William Butler Yeats
Staring at a long to-do list and feeling stuck—sound familiar? It's like standing at the edge of a pool, knowing the water's cold but also knowing you need to jump in. That hesitation, that inaction, is something we all experience.
Trust me, I've been there more times than I'd like to admit.
As someone who lives with ADHD, I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed or distracted. It's a constant battle between knowing what needs to be done and actually doing it. But over time, I've found a few strategies that help me stay on track.
Let me share what's worked for me—maybe it'll help you too.
Start with Clarity
One thing I've learned? Getting clear on what needs to be done is half the battle.
For me, this means writing things down. Without a list, I'm all over the place. Ever tried to go grocery shopping without a list? It's a disaster. The same goes for life.
A journal, a to-do list—whatever works for you. Just get it out of your head and onto paper. When you see it in writing, it's harder to ignore.
Plan Your Week, Block Your Time
Overwhelm is real, especially when you've got a million things pulling you in different directions. That's why planning out your week and time-blocking are so important.
Time-blocking provides the structure for freedom to focus.
When I block out time for specific tasks, I'm less likely to get sidetracked by random distractions. The approach enables concentrated effort on one thing at a time.
The Power of the Pomodoro
Here's a trick that's been a game-changer for me: the Pomodoro technique.
The Pomodoro technique emphasizes working smart, not just working hard. Set a timer for 20 minutes, focus on one task, then take a break. Rinse and repeat.
Before you know it, you've knocked out an hour or two of solid work.
It's perfect for someone like me who gets easily distracted. Breaking tasks into bite-sized chunks makes them more manageable.
And that break? It's a little reward for staying focused.
Lead by Example
We're often quick to advise others on productivity and responsibility. But how well do we follow our own advice?
It's easy to fall into the "do as I say, not as I do" trap. However, our actions speak louder than words. The people around us—colleagues, friends, family, or community members—are always observing.
If we want to inspire positive change, we need to embody it first.
When we take action, especially when it's challenging, we demonstrate the value of responsibility and follow-through. This doesn't just improve our productivity; it creates a ripple effect, inspiring those around us.
So, next time you're tempted to procrastinate, remember: your actions set an example.
Let's lead not just with our words, but with our deeds.
Taking the Leap
We've covered a lot of ground here – from getting clear on our tasks, the Pomodoro technique and effective time blocking. These strategies have worked for me, it allowed me to focus on progress, not perfection.
Each small step forward is a victory in itself.
So, which strategy resonates with you the most? Maybe it's writing everything down for clarity. Or perhaps you're excited to try the Pomodoro technique. Whatever it is, I encourage you to take that first step today.
Your future, more productive self is waiting. It's time to stop hesitating at the edge of the pool and take the plunge. Trust me, once you're in, you'll wonder why you waited so long.
Let's get started – your journey to increased productivity begins now !