“The greatest amount of wasted time is the time not getting started.” –Dawson Trotman

Have you ever wanted or needed to get a task done but just didn’t have the motivation to complete it? Were you tired, lazy, or just content with doing nothing? Chances are, you most likely did nothing and regretted it the next day.

As I was sitting here thinking about writing this blog, I just could not get motivated to begin. It has been a LONG day. I got up, did four hours of homework, went to class, went to work, did two more hours of homework, and here I am. I would be very happy to just lie in bed and call it a night. If I did that though, I KNOW I would regret not posting an article tonight. I have been wanting to write an article all day long and trying to think of topics to write about to no avail. Finally, I got the idea to write about what I do to get started on a task that seems hard, endless, or just mundane.

So here is a list of tactics you can attempt when trying to get motivated to start an essential task.

1. Jump in the shower: If it has been a long day, jumping in the shower is a great way to relax and regroup. If you really want to create some energy, I recommend turning the hot water off and the cold water on for the last 30 seconds to a minute of your shower. The cold water will send a wake-up signal to your brain to get you amped and ready to go.

2. Go for a brisk walk/jog: Getting some light physical activity is a great way to get your blood pumping. Just as you would warm up for a sporting event, try warming up for your task. I think you will find this is a great way to clear your head and get motivation on your side.

3. Turn on your favorite music: Whenever I get some of my favorite music going, I always feel a rush of energy inside of me. Something about music is able to ignite the fire within. Make sure you are listening to something upbeat or else it could lull you to sleep. Don’t be afraid to sing-a-long. Nothing like a good old karaoke session to get you in the working mood.

4. Grab a snack: Usually, a lack of energy is a result of a lack of nutrition. Grabbing a glass of chocolate milk and a peanut butter and honey sandwich does it for me. It gives me a nice little boost that will last me throughout my project. If you eat too much, however, it can have the opposite effect, making you feel tired.

5. Change scenery: If you are in your house and can’t find the motivation to get started, go to a local coffee shop or bookstore to get your work done. This will force you to take the first step towards beginning the task. Once you arrive at your destination, you are not going to sit there and do nothing…are you?

6. Ask for help: If it is a physical task, such as cleaning the kitchen or raking leaves, ask for your significant other, child, or even friend to help you out. If it is a work-related task, try bouncing ideas off of somebody else. If these people are willing to actively help out, it will force you to start participating. If you don’t, then they will wonder why you asked in the first place.

7. Sit outside on the front porch: Sometimes all we need is a little fresh air to get our creative juices flowing again. When you are outside, really focus on the sun hitting your face, the wind blowing through your hair, and every sound nature makes. Enlivening your senses will snap you out of your funk and get you back on track.

8. A good shot of caffeine: This is one that I would recommend using in moderation. Caffeine, whether it be from coffee or soda is a great way to get an instant shot of energy. My personal favorite is getting a fountain Mountain Dew from the gas station. Doing this on a regular basis, however, can lead to becoming addicted and an overall downfall in health.

9. Turn off the television: Turning off the television will allow you to focus your attention toward something else. T.V. is one of the biggest time-wasters imaginable. It seems like every time I turn it on, it sucks the life out of me, and I am stuck watching re-runs of Law & Order, Everybody Loves Raymond, Family Guy, or ESPN until I finally fall asleep. If you are able to get away from it, you will have to put your focus on doing the tasks that are more important in your immediate life.

10. Most important of all; JUST BEGIN: No matter how much you are dreading doing a project or how tired you are, once you have begun working on it, you will most likely stick with it until it is complete. The hardest step of anything is beginning it. Once you do, you will get in the flow and cruise until you are done…and won’t it feel so good once you are done?

This is nowhere near a comprehensive list of tactics to try. What works for me might not necessarily work for you. Do WHATEVER it takes for you to begin. That is the key. Starting the work, whether you had to do something before you got started or you just jumped right in, is the most important part of getting things done.

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