How to Get Things Done—Even When You Lack Motivation

Getting things done can feel impossible when you're not in the mood.

We've all been there—sitting in front of a task that needs doing but finding every excuse to avoid it. It's not laziness; it's human nature, and even the most productive people struggle with this.

The good news? There are proven strategies that can help you overcome resistance and get things done, even when motivation is absent. These techniques work for time-poor professionals juggling busy schedules and personal commitments. I've used them to stay on track while building businesses and managing family life.

Here's the reality: You don't need to wait for motivation to strike. With the right approach, you can build momentum, start ticking things off your list, and feel the satisfaction of finally getting it done.

Let's dive into five practical ways to overcome resistance and take action today.

1. The Two-Minute Rule: Start Small

Starting is the hardest part—so make it as easy as possible.

When a task feels overwhelming, your brain automatically looks for ways to avoid it. This is where the two-minute rule comes in: commit to just two minutes of the task—no more, no less. It's a relief to know that you don't have to tackle the entire task at once.

Why does this work? It breaks the mental barrier of "all or nothing." Making the first step small removes the pressure and creates a sense of progress. Even productivity experts and psychologists agree—tiny steps lead to big momentum.

I've used this myself countless times. For example, when writing felt daunting, I'd tell myself, "I'll just type one sentence." Before I knew it, I'd written a paragraph or more.

I'm telling you this because the two-minute rule works for almost anything. Whether clearing an inbox or starting a workout, a little nudge gets you out of neutral and into gear.

Remember, you're not trying to finish the task in two minutes but just starting it. And once you've started, you're far more likely to keep going. The sense of accomplishment from taking that first step can be a powerful motivator.

So, next time you're faced with a big task, shrink it down to size and take that first tiny step.

2. Temptation Bundling: Pair the Task with a Reward

What if you could make the things you dread doing feel enjoyable?

That's the idea behind temptation bundling—combining a task you don't want to do with an activity you genuinely enjoy. You're essentially tricking your brain into associating the task with a reward.

Research from behavioural economists shows this works because it taps into our natural love for instant gratification. You're no longer just doing the task; you're doing something fun simultaneously.

For example, when I needed to sort receipts for taxes (a soul-destroying task in my books), I'd let myself watch a favourite TV series while I worked through the pile. Suddenly, it didn't feel so bad.

Why am I sharing this? Because you don't have to force yourself through sheer willpower. You can turn chores into enjoyable opportunities by attaching rewards to less appealing tasks. It's a way to make your work more positive and enjoyable.

Think about the task you've been avoiding. What can you pair it with? A favourite playlist, a cup of great coffee, or even a bit of downtime after it's done? Try it—it works wonders.

3. Use Deadlines and Accountability

Nothing gets you done like knowing someone's waiting for the results.

Deadlines create urgency, and accountability adds a layer of social pressure that's hard to ignore. Together, they can be the ultimate push to get things moving.

I've seen this technique transform projects from pipe dreams into realities. For example, when I committed to sending a draft business plan to a colleague by Friday, it forced me to prioritise and deliver—because letting someone else down wasn't an option.

The beauty of accountability is that it doesn't need to be formal. It could be as simple as telling your partner you'll clean the garage by the weekend or asking a friend to check your progress.

External expectations are often more effective than internal motivation. When someone else is counting on you, it's harder to procrastinate.

So, set a deadline, tell someone about it, and watch how quickly things get done.

4. Gamification: Make It a Game

What if you could turn your tasks into a fun, rewarding game?

Gamification is creating challenges, rewards, and progress to keep you engaged. Think of it as making life feel a little more like a video game where you're constantly levelling up.

Apps like Habitica let you earn points for completing tasks, but you don't need fancy tools. For example, I created a "point system" for my daily to-dos—each task earned me points, and hitting 50 points meant I treated myself to something special. It made even mundane tasks feel satisfying.

This technique works because our brains love progress and rewards. Seeing yourself succeed, even in small ways, keeps you motivated.

Why do I tell you this? Tasks don't have to feel boring or heavy. Adding an element of play allows you to approach them with curiosity and enthusiasm instead of dread.

So, create a scoring system or reward set that makes sense. Watch how quickly it changes your mindset.

5. Create a Ritual or Routine

Routines remove the need for willpower and make productivity automatic.

Think about brushing your teeth—you don't decide to do it; it's just part of your day. The same logic applies to productivity. If you create a specific time and place for tasks, they become habits rather than decisions.

For example, I write for 15 minutes every morning right after my first cup of tea. It's not a question of "if" or "when." It's just part of my morning routine.

This works because routines eliminate decision fatigue. Instead of wasting energy figuring out when to start, you follow the plan you've created for yourself.

This is important because consistency builds momentum. When you make tasks automatic, you no longer rely on motivation to get them done—you're relying on habits.

Set a time and place to tackle that one thing you've been avoiding. Stick with it, and soon it'll feel like second nature.

Conclusion

You don't need motivation to magically appear when getting things done. Using strategies like starting small, bundling tasks with rewards, adding accountability, gamifying your progress, and creating routines, you can overcome resistance and take action—even when you don't feel like it.

Start with just one of these techniques today. The small effort you make now can lead to big results tomorrow.

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Good luck on your journey!

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