We’ve lived in this house for nearly ten years, and for nearly ten years, I have meant to install a hook in my closet so I could hang my pyjamas up in the morning instead of leaving them in a pile on the floor. (I suppose another option would be to fold them and place them neatly on a shelf, but that feels wildly unachievable for morning Teresa, who only has enough energy to shuffle around with one eye half-open. Know thyself, they say, and I do.)
I can totally relate to this phenomena and the seemingly outsized relief it gives when a small task that’s been nagging at you gets done. I also am a complete believer and devotee of the Getting Things Done methodology, which is all about freeing up mental space by putting these things into a trusted system. That speaks to the relief that knowing you have a plan in place gives, as you mention. Even an incomplete plan will work, as long as you know the immediate Next Action that needs to be done.
I can totally relate to this phenomena and the seemingly outsized relief it gives when a small task that’s been nagging at you gets done. I also am a complete believer and devotee of the Getting Things Done methodology, which is all about freeing up mental space by putting these things into a trusted system. That speaks to the relief that knowing you have a plan in place gives, as you mention. Even an incomplete plan will work, as long as you know the immediate Next Action that needs to be done.