Ever found yourself in a productivity rut, staring at your to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to be done, but feeling completely paralyzed? It’s a frustrating place to be. Maybe you’ve got a big project looming, a new habit you want to build, or even just your annual tax prep, and for some reason, you just can’t seem to get started. It’s like there’s an invisible wall between you and action.
I’ve been there more times than I can count. Just recently, I had all my tax documents neatly organized, a clear plan in my task manager, and a dedicated block of time set aside. Clarity wasn’t the issue. Yet, when the time came, I found myself doing everything but my taxes. Sound familiar? This isn’t about a lack of desire or even a lack of knowledge. It’s about being stuck. And the good news is, there are simple, actionable strategies to break free.
This article will explore five powerful ways to get unstuck, regain momentum, and move forward with your goals, whether they’re big projects or small daily habits. These are tactics my co-host Brooks and I have personally used and seen work wonders for countless others.
1. Schedule Your Habits (and Make Them Non-Negotiable)
One of the most common reasons we get stuck is simply hoping things will happen. We have good intentions, but intentions rarely translate into action without a plan. The first step to getting unstuck is to treat your habits and important tasks like non-negotiable appointments. Put them on your calendar, just like you would a meeting with a client or a doctor’s appointment.
The more specific you are, the better. Instead of “I want to read more,” try “I will read for 20 minutes at [6:00] AM every weekday.” This level of detail removes ambiguity and makes it much harder to procrastinate. When you’re doing your weekly planning, actively look for those projects you’ve been avoiding or habits you’ve been inconsistent with, and intentionally block out time for them.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “I schedule things all the time, but then I just blow past them.” And you’re not alone. For many, if a calendar event doesn’t involve another person, it feels optional. If that’s you, consider focusing on the outcome rather than just the schedule. For example, instead of “read 20 pages at [6:00] AM,” your goal might be “read 20 pages today.” Then, design your environment to constantly remind you. Write it on a whiteboard, set a phone background, or use system reminders. The key is to create cues that make it almost impossible to forget.
Another powerful technique is habit stacking. This involves tying a new habit to an existing one. When I was trying to rebuild my reading habit, I linked it to my morning exercise. As soon as I walked back in the door from my walk or gym session, I went straight to reading. By connecting a desired action to something you already do consistently, you leverage existing routines to build new ones. It’s about making the path of least resistance the path to your goals.
2. Make It Ridiculously Easy to Start
Think about the last time you really struggled to get something done. What was the biggest hurdle? Often, it’s not the task itself, but the sheer effort required to start. The second strategy is to reduce that activation energy to almost zero. Break down your tasks into the smallest possible steps, even smaller than you think you need to.
Let’s say you want to write a book. Instead of aiming for 1,500 words a day and feeling defeated when you don’t hit it, shrink that goal. Try for 500 words, or 200, or even just 100. The point is to create a win, to get the momentum going. Once you’re in the groove, you can always expand. The goal here is to “grease the skids” and make forward movement feel effortless.
I experienced this firsthand with listening to audiobooks and podcasts. During the pandemic, my consumption dropped significantly. Why? Because my habit was anchored to walking outside. When I stopped going out as much, the habit crumbled. I realized I didn’t have to be walking to listen. Then, I thought about another friction point: untangling earbud cords. It sounds trivial, but that small annoyance was enough to stop me. The moment I switched to AirPods, my audiobook consumption skyrocketed. Removing that tiny bit of friction made all the difference.
What are the hidden friction points in your own life? Is it a messy desk that makes it hard to focus? A cluttered digital desktop that overwhelms you? Identify those small barriers that prevent you from starting, and then systematically remove them. The less effort it takes to begin, the more likely you are to follow through.
3. Laser Focus on One Task at a Time
In our hyper-connected world, distraction is the enemy of progress. When you’re feeling stuck, trying to juggle multiple priorities only makes it worse. The third strategy is to apply a laser focus to one task at a time. This isn’t just good productivity advice in general; it’s absolutely crucial when you’re trying to break free from inertia.
Often, we get stuck because our attention is fragmented. We’re pulled in too many directions, and nothing gets the dedicated focus it needs to gain traction. When you’re planning your day, clear the decks for a specific block of time to concentrate solely on that one critical task. If you have too much going on, you’ll find yourself perpetually stuck.
For me, writing projects can be a huge source of inertia. I love writing, but getting started is often the hardest part. My solution? I use a writing app in full-screen mode. No other tabs, no other applications, just the blank page. If I need reference material, it goes on a separate monitor or my iPad. This creates an environment where my brain has no choice but to focus on the task at hand.
This concept extends to your entire workspace. We talk a lot about “clearing to neutral” at Asian Efficiency. It means resetting your physical and digital workspace after each task or at the end of the day. Close all unnecessary browser tabs, shut down apps, and tidy your desk. A serene, uncluttered environment makes it infinitely easier to focus on one thing and get started on the next. If you have multiple tasks, prioritize the most important one, and then create an environment that is conducive to tackling only that task.
4. Don’t Go It Alone: Find Your Accountability Crew
Sometimes, the best way to get unstuck is to involve other people. The fourth strategy is to find a group, a friend, or a mentor who can provide support, encouragement, and most importantly, accountability. We often blow past appointments we make with ourselves because there’s no external consequence. But when someone else is relying on you, the dynamic shifts.
Think about it: if you’ve committed to working out with a friend at [4:00] PM, you’re far less likely to skip it, even if you don’t feel like it. You don’t want to be the person who bails. This isn’t about guilt; it’s about leveraging our natural inclination to follow through on commitments to others. This is why communities like our Dojo are so popular. People want to be held accountable, and the shared commitment provides that extra push.
Accountability doesn’t always have to be a formal arrangement. It could be a colleague you check in with, a mastermind group, or even just sharing your goals with a supportive friend. The mere knowledge that someone else is aware of your intentions can be a powerful motivator. I even invest in a personal trainer, not just for the expertise, but for the accountability. Knowing that canceling a session costs money is a strong incentive to show up, even on days when motivation is low.
Whether it’s a workout buddy, a mentor, or a community, involving others creates a powerful external force that helps you stay on track and break free when you feel stuck. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone in your journey.
5. Design Your Environment for Success
Your environment is a silent partner in your productivity journey. It’s either supporting you or subtly sabotaging you. The fifth and final strategy is to intentionally design your physical and digital spaces to foster success. It’s rare for an environment to be truly neutral; it’s almost always pushing you in one direction or another.
If your workspace is a chaotic mess, it’s likely bleeding into your work habits, making it harder to focus and get started. Conversely, a well-organized, intentional environment can significantly boost your productivity. I learned this lesson early in my career when my boss insisted we all get second monitors. I was skeptical, thinking it would just take up more desk space. But that one change was a complete game-changer, massively increasing my productivity. It showed me the profound impact of environment design.
This principle extends beyond just your desk. David Allen, the creator of Getting Things Done, often starts with decluttering a client’s office, even before diving into their inbox. Why? Because a clear workspace directly impacts your ability to focus. If your desk is covered in papers, sticky notes, and random items, your brain is constantly processing that visual clutter, making deep work challenging.
I make it a point to clear my desk at the end of every workday. It’s part of my “clear to neutral” routine. This ensures that when I start fresh the next morning, there’s no visual noise to distract me. Recently, I even hired a professional organizer to declutter my home. The difference is remarkable. My home feels more serene, I sleep better, and I feel less stressed. It’s a testament to how much our physical surroundings influence our mental state and productivity.
And don’t forget digital decluttering. A messy downloads folder, a desktop full of random files, or dozens of open browser tabs can be just as detrimental as physical clutter. Organize your digital files, close unnecessary applications, and create a streamlined digital workspace. When your environment, both physical and digital, is working for you, getting unstuck becomes a much smoother process.
Your Next Step: Pick One
Feeling stuck is a universal experience, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By scheduling your habits, making tasks easy to start, focusing on one thing at a time, leveraging accountability, and designing your environment for success, you can break free and regain your momentum.
Don’t try to implement all five strategies at once. Pick just one that resonates most with you right now. Maybe it’s scheduling that one task you’ve been avoiding, or decluttering your desk before you start tomorrow. Take that single, simple step. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. And that progress, no matter how small, is the key to unlocking your productivity and getting unstuck.
