← Archive LinksWeekday Wisdom: The Secret To Getting Started 🤓 · 2025-07-08← Older Newer →Original

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Hey there, mastermind,

If you’re struggling to get started with something, you’re not alone. We are masters of the art of procrastination! Fear not, for today’s edition explains not just the why but how to overcome this barrier.

Big love,

Chris & the 42courses team x

THE SECRET TO GETTING STARTED

You probably have something you’ve always wanted to do. Like writing a book, starting your own business, or changing your career.

It doesn’t matter as long as it’s important to you.

And if you’re reading this newsletter, you’re obviously smart. 😉

So why haven’t you done it yet?

It’s not because you’re not capable of succeeding; it’s that taking the first step is the hardest part by far.

Behavioural science has a name for this: activation energy.

A mental model borrowed from the field of chemistry, it describes the mental and emotional effort required to initiate a task, even a small one.

But why does starting feel so hard? There are several reasons:

1. We fear imperfection. If we never start, then we can never fail.

2. We overestimate the effort required. The task seems larger in our heads than it is in reality.

3. We wait for the time to be ‘just right’. But that moment never quite materialises.

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How To Get Started Today

The trick is to lower your activation energy. You can do this as follows:

1. Make the initial step ridiculously small. E.g. write one sentence, put on your running shoes, or read one page of your book.

2. Use a time limit. E.g. set a 5-minute timer. You’re not committing to doing the entire task, just starting it. This approach reduces dread and makes starting feel safe.

3. Pair the task with doing something fun. E.g. only listen to your favourite podcast while writing your business plan. This is called ‘temptation bundling’.

Don’t waste any more time. Use these practical tips above and get going. Your future self will thank you.

BTW, this video is one of the best examples of why smart people often struggle to get started, while others seem to have no trouble getting started.

Quote of the week

“Learning more is a smart person’s favourite form of procrastination”. - Mark Manson

New Podcast

In this episode of the 42courses podcast, former CNN anchor and author of What’s Up with Women and Money, Alison Kosik, opens up about her own financial journey and why money talk still feels taboo for so many.

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Bonus Dad Joke: I want to join a support group for procrastinators, but they keep postponing the meetings ⏰

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