How to Deal with Task Paralysis
Task paralysis is when you find yourself unable to take any action, even when you want to begin or complete a task. You may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or immobilized when faced with a task, and it often results from being unable to do a task due to its complexity or ambiguity! Task paralysis differs from procrastination, which involves a conscious decision to delay tasks.
Keep reading to learn some strategies for dealing with task paralysis…
Rewrite and Reorganize
Rewrite your to-do list with only the most essential things and tackle those first. Add the little, less important items to a separate list.
Find an Anchor
Have someone sit near you, whether they are helping you with your tasks or not. Just having someone there will help you feel more anchored and like you’re not all on your own.
Don’t Wait
Don’t wait until you have “more time” or when it “feels right”. Starting your tasks is half the battle!
Calm Your Inner Perfectionist
Push aside perfectionism. Tell yourself you can fine-tune the details after you’ve completed the basic work.
Move Your Body or Change Your Space
If your brain feels frozen, move your body for a little bit or move to a different place to do your work. The change of scenery can help you feel more inspired.
Reward Yourself
Acknowledge your negative emotions. Think of ways to add reward and accountability to your task.
Start Small
Start small with the part of the task that feels the most doable. Take a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed.
We hope you can find these seven suggestions helpful the next time you are dealing with the challenge of getting started or completing tasks!
