Second Cup: Just get going and see what happens

You don't need to feel motivated to get started

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good Morning.
This is Laura.

Speaker 2 (00:12):
Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is for
when you are feeling stuck, Just get going and see
what happens. Maybe not much will happen, but you might
be in a slightly better spot than you are in before.

(00:33):
Today's tip comes from a guest essay in The New
York Times by author and executive coach Brad Stolberg. In
the article, Stollberg describes the psychological concept of behavioral activation.
This is the practice of creating motivation through doing something
instead of relying on motivation to get started. Sometimes we

(00:55):
are motivated and eager to dive into a new project.
Other times, times, even if we rest and give ourselves
grace and patience, the momentum just doesn't come. That's when
Stolberg tries for behavioral activation. He uses the pocket phrase
just get going and see what happens. I love this.

(01:20):
It is all about action and openness. Just get going
and see what happens. He isn't promising that once you
get going it will get easier, or that you'll feel
good about what you're doing, or even that you will
see results. Instead, you can just do little something and

(01:40):
be curious about what will happen. No judgment, no expectation,
but in openness to seeing if anything changes. I think
there are good reasons for all of us to adopt
this mindset. After two years of a pandemic with its
resulting stresses and strains, not to mention natural disasters and

(02:04):
other sources of turmoil at home and abroad, we are tired.
So many people are simply worn out, and motivation is
hard to come by. When you're feeling stuck and having
trouble getting started, it can often help to just do something.

(02:24):
Don't wait until you're motivated. Instead, just start do the
easiest part, do something in the middle. Write one sentence,
put one number on your spreadsheet, look up one statistic
you know you will need. Maybe the motivation will come.
Hopefully the motivation will come. As Stolberg says, just get

(02:46):
going and see what happens. But even if not much happens,
well you are one sentence closer than you were a
few minutes ago. This approach can work for professional projects,
home projects, self improvement efforts, and so much else. Having
trouble getting motivated to start looking for a new employee,

(03:08):
because everyone keeps saying it's a terrible time to hire.
Just make a list of steps you might take to
find someone wonderful. Maybe you will become optimistic about one
of the strategies you identify. You'll be energized to get started,
or you won't be, but at least you'll have an
item for tomorrow's to do list. Overwhelmed at the thought

(03:31):
of packing up your apartment for an upcoming move, aim
to pack one box and fill one bag of things
to donate this weekend. By the time you've done that,
maybe you'll have a better idea of a timeline for
getting everything out the door, or you will still be tired,
but you are one box closer to done. By just

(03:55):
doing something, you may overcome your inertia and generate some
energy or excitement for a you've been struggling to start.
Don't assume that motivation has to proceed the first step. Instead,
taking that first step maybe exactly what you need to
generate some momentum, and if not, well, at least you're

(04:17):
closer than you were. So get going and get curious
to see what happens next. In the meantime, this is Laura.
Thanks for listening and here's to making the most.

Speaker 1 (04:34):
Of our time. Hey, everybody, I'd love to hear from you.
You can send me your tips, your questions, or anything else.
Just connect with me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at
Before Breakfast Pod. That's b the number four then Breakfast pod.

(04:58):
You can also shoot me an email at Before Breakfast
Podcasts at iHeartMedia dot com that Before Breakfast is spelled
out with all the letters. Thanks so much. Should I
look forward to staying in touch. Before Breakfast is a
production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the

(05:20):
iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your
favorite shows.