You have to make the task small enough so you’ll do it, no matter how small that is.

You have to make the task small enough so you’ll do it, no matter how small that is.

Jordan B. Peterson

This quote emphasizes the importance of breaking down large, daunting tasks into smaller, manageable ones to ensure completion. The idea is that the enormity of a task can often be overwhelming, leading to procrastination or avoidance. However, by making the task small enough, it becomes less intimidating and more achievable. This is a psychological trick to trick our brain into starting a task by reducing the perceived effort and time required.

The real wisdom in this quote lies in its flexibility. The size of the task can be adjusted according to one’s capacity and motivation level. This means that even on days when you’re feeling low, you can still make progress by reducing the task to a size that feels doable. Over time, these small tasks add up, leading to significant progress.

In the context of today’s fast-paced world, this idea is more relevant than ever. With endless to-do lists and constant pressure to be productive, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. By breaking down tasks into smaller parts, we can tackle them one at a time, reducing stress and increasing productivity.

In terms of personal development, this strategy can be used to cultivate new habits or skills. For instance, if you want to start a reading habit, instead of setting an unrealistic goal of reading 50 pages a day, start with a goal of reading a page or even a paragraph a day. Over time, as this small task becomes a habit, you can gradually increase the size of the task.

In essence, the quote suggests a practical and flexible approach to productivity and personal development. By making tasks small enough to be doable, we can ensure progress, reduce stress, and ultimately, achieve our goals.

People often ask:
How can breaking down larger goals into smaller tasks lead to greater personal fulfillment?
In what ways can we adjust our approach to tasks when facing low motivation or energy levels?
What role does the perception of effort play in our ability to take action towards our goals?

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