Skip to main content

The One Thing That Helps Me Start (Even When I Don’t Feel Like It)

 If I had to pick one thing that made the biggest difference in my productivity, it wouldn’t be a planner, a course, or a strategy.

Now—of course those things help. A good planner and a solid strategy matter.

But none of that works if you don’t start.

And for me, the thing that gets me started—every single time—is a timer.

Getting Started Is Half the Battle

Most days, the hardest part isn’t the work itself.

It’s starting.

You sit down, you know what you need to do… and you just don’t feel like it. Or it feels too big. Or you think you need more time than you actually have.

That’s where I used to get stuck.

Now, I don’t overthink it.

I set a timer.

My “I Don’t Feel Like It” System

When I don’t feel like working, I’ll set the timer for 10–15 minutes.

That’s it.

Not an hour. Not “until it’s done.” Just 10–15 minutes to get started.

Because almost anyone can do something for 10 minutes.

And once I start, one of two things happens:

  • I stop after the timer and take a 10-minute break (which is still a win), or
  • I get into a flow and keep going

If I do take a break, I only set the timer for a 10-minute break and then I get back to work again. I’m not just working 10 minutes and calling it a day—I’m using it to get started and then keep going in cycles.

Why This Works

A timer lowers the resistance.

You’re not committing to finishing everything.
You’re committing to showing up for a short period of time.

That mental shift is everything.

It takes the pressure off and replaces it with action.

I Use It for More Than Work

This isn’t just for sitting at a desk.

I use a timer for:

  • Getting started on work
  • Taking breaks so I don’t burn out
  • Exercising or just getting up and moving

Because if I don’t set a timer to move… I probably won’t.

It keeps me intentional with my time instead of just letting the day happen.

Simple, But Effective

There’s nothing complicated about this.

  1. Pick one thing
  2. Set the timer
  3. Start

That’s it.

No overthinking. No waiting for motivation.

Just action.

The Tool That Helps Me Start Every Time

You can use your phone, but I’ve found having a simple, dedicated timer works better—it keeps me off distractions and makes it easier to stay consistent.

A planner helps me stay organized and remember what I need to do.

But a timer helps me actually do it—especially on the days I don’t feel like it.

I can write something down and still not feel like doing it.
The timer is what gets me moving.

This is the one I recommend:
 https://amzn.to/498uoBE

It’s straightforward, easy to use, and does exactly what I need it to do.

Final Thought

You don’t need more time.

You need a way to start.

And once you start, everything else becomes easier.

So if you’ve been putting things off or waiting until you “feel like it”…

Don’t wait.

Set the timer for 10 minutes.
Start there.

That's all it takes.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Time Management That Pays: Fall Productivity Tools to Help You Work Less and Earn More

  (Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase products using my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting content that helps busy entrepreneurs grow.) Time management has always been a challenge for me, and for years, I struggled to balance everything. I prayed about it and wholeheartedly believe that God has given me time management tips that have transformed how I approach my day. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. But once I get into a flow—especially with writing—everything seems to click into place. I believe that everything starts with mindset. I now evaluate my mindset constantly when it comes to time. Instead of saying, “How am I going to get this done?” I remind myself, "I can do all things through God who strengthens me." My mindset has shifted from scarcity to abundance, and I now believe I have plenty of time. In fact, I create time. With that mindset, I’ve adopte...
Post a Comment
Read more

Stop Waiting for Free Time — It’s Not Coming

  How I turned a frustrating, wasted morning into a better money strategy RECOMMENDED The Planner I Recommend A simple planner to help you stay focused, organized, and more intentional with your time. View on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Today didn’t go as planned. An immigration hearing I had scheduled— was cancelled the same day. No notice. I sat there and waited for an hour… for nothing. And while that might seem small— it’s not. Because I learned a long time ago: Time is valuable. And once it’s gone, it’s gone. It Wasn’t Just the Hour It wasn’t just the hour I spent waiting. I had already prepped for the hearing. Reviewed the file. Spent time getting ready. So when it didn’t happen— that wasn’t just an h...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Faith, Manifestation & Business: It’s More Than Strategy and Hustle To me, building a business isn’t just about strategy and hustle — I rely on God. I stay in faith when I write, when I make decisions, and when I plan what’s next. I’ve seen too much to think it’s just me. I’ve had open doors I couldn’t have forced open. I’ve received provision I couldn’t have predicted. I’ve experienced favor that no formula could have created. Yes — I use strategy. I study. I plan. I invest. I show up. But that’s not my foundation. My foundation is faith . It’s not that I get it right every time. I don’t. But I learn from every moment — and I let those lessons make me wiser, not bitter. I challenge myself with bigger visions because I want to keep growing. Not just in business — but in trust . I want to believe God for more, stretch into new territory, and keep proving to myself that faith works. I’ve seen harvest. Some of it looked like opportunities. Some of it looked like pe...
Post a Comment
Read more