I’m going to focus here on the idea of starting small. Most of the thoughts that seem to get in our way are problematic because they frame the avoided task as something big, complex, and difficult. To get around this barrier, it helps to break the task down into very small steps that seem manageable. If I’m writing a book, for example, the kiss of death would be to put “write book” on my to do list. I think my brain sees the words “write book,” and alarm bell start to go off: “This is too much! You don’t have time for this! There’s no way you can do it!” Instead, I might write down, “Spend 20 minutes writing Chapter 1. No alarm bells go off when I see that I only have to work on my book for 20 minutes. Take a large task, break it down into small pieces, and mindfully tackle one piece at a time. With the exercise equipment, my plan for today is to simply move it to the place where I want it, and to open the box. Perhaps, tomorrow, I will inspect the parts to ensure that they are all there, and look for appropriate tools. Who knows what I might do the next day? I plan to avoid worrying about whether I’m going to put the whole thing together or when it will be done and ready for use. Consider taking this approach to tasks that you might be inclined to avoid or procrastinate about. Get your thoughts out of your way by presenting your brain with something that seems manageable. ~ Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., R.Psych.