Starting is hard. But you know what can feel even harder? REstarting.

When you’ve already made some progress on a project but then put it down, coming back can feel overwhelming.

• Where did I leave off?

• What’s next?

• How do I get back into the flow?

That’s where a REstarting routine comes into play.

Just like a starting routine gets you moving, a restarting routine is a set of easy steps that help you:

• reorient yourself to where you left off

• review what’s already done

• select the very next action

By giving yourself a simple system to fall back on, you take the guesswork out of getting back on track. And once you’ve restarted, momentum takes care of the rest.

What project could you get back into today with a REstarting routine? 

Download your free worksheet here: September 10th - Create a REstarting routine

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

What tasks or projects do you NEVER have a hard time starting?

Even if it isn’t something you particularly enjoy, there are plenty of things you do throughout your week that you start easily. Some of that is based on the fact that even if you don’t realize it, you have a routine for it.

It could be as easy as clearing your desk, laying out your paperwork, and refreshing your coffee. Each of your tiny routines - that you may not even realize you’ve designed - signals to your brain that it’s time to get started.

So, when you’re having a hard time jumping right into a task, try a starting routine. Think of it as a gentle on-ramp instead of a jarring leap into work.

Start with a few small, easy actions - clear your desk, open your notes, pour a cup of coffee. These tiny wins get your body moving and your brain engaged. Once momentum kicks in, shifting into the harder task feels much more natural.

A starting routine trains your brain to say: “This is what we do before we begin.” Over time, it becomes automatic, and getting started stops feeling like such a battle.

What’s one simple step you could add to your own starting routine today? 

Download your free worksheet here: September 9th - Create a starting routine

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

Stuck on a task you just don’t feel like starting? Try asking yourself: “What would be harder?”

There are two ways that something else could be harder than what you’re avoiding:

• First, compare it to something else. If I had to choose between starting this task or scrubbing the entire kitchen floor with a toothbrush, does the original task suddenly not look so bad?Sometimes shifting perspective makes starting easier.

• Second, think about consequences. Which is harder - doing this task now, or dealing with the stress, missed deadlines, or guilt that comes with putting it off?

Most of the time, the “harder” option isn’t the task itself, it’s the delayed consequences of not doing it.

The next time you’re stalling, ask yourself: What would really be harder? 

Download your free worksheet here: September 8th - What would be harder?

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.

Yesterday, you made a list of all the steps for that project you’ve been putting off. (If you didn’t, start there!)

Now here’s your next move: do the easy parts first.

Not every step has to be done in order. When you’re stuck, gain momentum while still being productive. Pick out the steps that feel light, quick, or even fun, and knock those out.

• Send the email draft.
• Print the forms.
• Gather the supplies.

Each “easy win” builds energy and confidence. Before you know it, you’re no longer staring at a big, scary project, you’re already in motion.

Progress isn’t about doing everything perfectly in order. It’s about getting started, one easy step at a time.

What’s one easy step you could cross off your list today?

Download your free worksheet here: September 7th - Do all the easy parts

Go back to the September is for Starting homepage.