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 a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control.
Task Paralysis
Feeling unable to start a task despite wanting or needing to, often linked to ADHD and executive dysfunction.
Body Doubling
A productivity strategy where another person works alongside you to help you stay focused on a task.
Chunking
Breaking information or tasks into smaller, meaningful units to make them easier to process and complete.
Visual Schedules
External, visual plans (lists, cards, timelines) that show what’s happening and in what order, to reduce cognitive load and uncertainty.
Sources
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