Stuck on the Hard Task? Try This First

Some days, jumping into the hardest task works. Other days, it backfires. In this newsletter, I’m sharing a different approach—one that helps you get started, build momentum, and actually make progress, even when your energy is low.

When “Eat the Frog” Doesn’t Work

I’ve tried starting the day with the hardest thing on my list. It works… until it doesn’t.

Sometimes that big task just makes me stall out. I sit there staring at it or doing anything else instead. That used to throw off my whole day.

The problem wasn’t the task—it’s generally my energy or motivation. On low-energy days, I needed a different way to start.

Quick Pick: This Week’s Favorite

Start Small to Get Rolling

Here’s what we can do differently: Pick a small, real task and knock it out first.

It might be replying to a short email, writing a quick outline, or updating a doc. It has to matter—not busy work—but be simple enough to get done fast.

It’s momentum stacking.

One small win makes it easier to tackle the next task. And then the next.

If I feel good after that first one, I move up to something bigger. If not, I still made progress.

Here’s how you can try it:

• Pick one small, meaningful task

• Do it right away

• Pause and check in with yourself

• Repeat or step up to the next task

That’s it. It keeps me productive even when I’m dragging or having a down day and keeps me from having a “zero” day.

Extra Extra

• Why The Stories Matter - what the stories we tell ourselves can do to our productivity.

One quick question 👋

I love hearing from readers, and I’m always happy to hear feedback from active subscribers. How am I doing with the Productivity Academy newsletter? Is there any content you’d like to see more or less of? Which parts of the newsletter (or articles, or podcast) do you enjoy the most?

Hit reply and say hello, happy to hear from you!

P.S. Looking for resources to improve your productivity? Check out the tools I use right here.