Task Initiation/TASK in-ish-ee-AY-shun/
The ability to start a task without unnecessary delay.
Andy says:
Make the first step too small to fail.
Detailed Explanation
Initiation is sensitive to reward, clarity, and load. Ambiguous first steps, low salience, and high cognitive load stall starts. Externalizing steps and adding gentle momentum improves initiation.
Community Context
Supports used in ND communities: body doubling, micro‑starts, action‑labeled alarms, and visual step lists.
Quick Tips
- Define a tiny “first action” you can do now
- Set a 3–5 minute timer; stop on success
- Use “start now” alarms with the verb included
Do / Don't
- Do: lower barriers; celebrate starts
- Don't: wait for motivation
Scientific Context
Linked to executive control and reward systems; environmental scaffolds are effective.
Language Notes
Related: task paralysis, executive dysfunction.
Related Terms
Executive Dysfunction
Difficulties with the brain's management system for planning, organizing, initiating, and completing tasks. Like having all the pieces but struggling to assemble them in the right order at the right time.
Task Paralysis
The complete inability to start a task despite desperately wanting or needing to. Your brain knows what to do, your body won't move. Like being frozen at the starting line while everyone else is already running—not lazy, literally paralyzed.
Body Doubling
Working or doing tasks in the presence of another person who provides passive companionship. Their simple presence—not helping, just existing nearby—makes starting and completing tasks dramatically easier for ADHD and autistic brains.
Chunking
Breaking large tasks, information, or time periods into smaller, manageable pieces to reduce cognitive overwhelm and improve processing and completion.
Visual Schedules
Structured visual representations of daily activities, tasks, or routines using pictures, symbols, or text to support planning, transitions, and time management.
Sources
Community Contributions
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