My Dad passed away nearly forty years ago. With so much time gone by, you would think his advice would fade, but one tip has stayed with me. Whenever I have a project or task I need/want to do but am not getting to it, his wisdom shows up. “Just put the paper in the typewriter and see what happens”.

Amazingly, it almost always works. If I take the first tiniest step, I soon find the task done. This topic feels timely, as many of my clients are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. The labor market is wacky, so job hunting (or any career-related challenge) is more daunting than ever.

Today, my advice is super old-school: take the first ridiculously small step. Don’t aim to finish. Define a starting action that takes 2-5 minutes. Once you start, momentum often carries you further.

Add these ideas once you get the ball rolling:

• Remove Decision Clutter

If you’re hesitating, it’s often because you don’t know how to begin. Write down the exact next 3 steps. Clarity kills avoidance.

• Use a Short Timer

Set a 10–15-minute timer and tell yourself you can quit after. This works because your brain stops seeing the task as an endless commitment. You’re just trying it.

• Change the Environment Slightly

Move locations, put your phone in another room, or open only what you need. A small reset can break the avoidance loop.

• Expect Resistance (and Start Anyway)

Waiting to feel ready is the trap. Most people feel resistance right up until they begin. Starting while it feels uncomfortable is the key.

Let me end this with a competitive perspective. Whether you are looking for a job or hoping to strengthen your position in your current role, there are always other people who might get there first. If you perfect your ability to trigger forward motion, you have a significant advantage. It's subtle and very effective.

As always, I hope this bit of advice has arrived at just the right moment. 

Have a productive, creative, and transformative day.