What's Blocking You? - Understanding Barriers to Getting Started

Image by MagnetMe

Image by MagnetMe

We’ve all been there - staring blankly into space, waiting for inspiration to strike or living in fear of the deadline getting so close we can no longer avoid starting the “thing” we’ve been putting off.

When this happens it’s easy to become so overwhelmed we feel incapable of taking ANY action - in a word we’re BLOCKED!

This blog guides you through a series of questions to help get you unblocked and take action.

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Next time you catch yourself saying or thinking “I can’t do this now”, consider the following…

Time

  • Is this the right time for you to do this?

  • Could you do it at a different time?

  • What needs to change in your schedule to allow you to do this?

  • Are you prepared to invest this time?

Are you ready to take action? If no, move to…

Task

  • Why is this task on your list in the first place?

  • Do you know exactly what the required outcome of this task is?

  • What is it about this task that makes it difficult?

  • Can it be broken down into smaller “chunks”?

  • Do YOU have to do it?

  • Can you ask for help or delegate this?

  • Why is this task important?

Are you ready to take action? If no, move to…

Skill

  • Do you have the skills/abilities to complete this task?

  • What else do you need to learn?

  • Do you want to invest the time/money/energy in this learning?

  • What else will you be able to do if you master the skills required to do this?

  • Who could you ask for help?

Are you ready to take action? If no, move to…

Belief

  • When in the past have you overcome something similar?

  • What was the outcome then?

  • What did you learn from that experience?

  • How did it make you feel?

  • What is different now?

  • How does that change your view of this task?

Are you ready to take action? If no, move to…

Identity

  • What is your personal identity right now?

  • Does this task fit or conflict with your sense of self?

  • Does this task challenge or uphold your values?

  • In what way does this task challenge or uphold your values?

  • What are the consequences of NOT doing this?

  • Do you HAVE to do this?

What action will you take?

These are the types of questions that could be asked during Active Coaching sessions with Kelly, helping you get unblocked and take action.

Kelly Houstonmanaging overwhelm, getting started, procrastinationComment