(Part of the series: 12 Favorite Productivity Principles)

7. Working with resistance – Resistance is not futile

Resistance is the feeling of dread or discomfort we experience when approaching a task. Resistance is the main reason we procrastinate and struggle to get going on important tasks. Resistance is the reason we end up wasting time or doing something else to avoid doing the tasks we need to do.

Resistance is your number one enemy when it comes to getting your tasks done. But once you understand resistance, you can turn it around and make it work for you instead of against you. Here are three things you need to understand about resistance:

1. Resistance is a clue as to what you should be doing next. You won’t feel resistance about tasks that you don’t need to be doing.
    
2. Resistance only gets stronger when you put off a task. The longer you avoid starting, the stronger the resistance grows.
    
3. Resistance is strongest just before starting the task. Once you actually get started on the task, you build momentum and resistance fades away.
    

Once you understand these three things about resistance, you can make resistance work for you instead of against you.

1. When you feel resistance towards a task or project, recognize that this is a clue to what you should be doing next. Immediately write it down on your task processing list and start working on it. (Note: Do not just put it on your overall to do list. It’s probably already been sitting there for some time. Be sure you write it on your task processing list of things you are about to do – see principle #6.)
    
2. Realize that no matter how uncomfortable the resistance feels right now, it is only going to get worse the longer you put off the task. In other words, the resistance you feel right now is the least resistance you are going to feel towards the project or task. It is only going to get worse, so write the task down and start working on it now.
    
3. Realize that once you get going on the project, the resistance will fade away. Resistance is uncomfortable, and the best way to get rid of the discomfort is to start working on the task.
    

This is where micro-tasking and writing down your tasks before you do them will also help you (see principle #6). Remember, writing it down just means you will get started on the task. It doesn’t mean you have to complete it. It only means you will get started and do some work on it. Maybe five minutes, maybe ten, maybe longer. But the simple act of writing it down and marking it as your one active task will help you get started, and once you get started, that feeling of discomfort and dread will fade away.

Resistance is your number one enemy to productivity. But it doesn’t have to be. Resistance can be your friend. Resistance is not futile when you learn to work with resistance instead of allowing resistance to work against you.

Note: If you’re interested in learning more about resistance and how it works, the best book I’ve read on the subject is Mark Forster’s Get Everything Done. Mark understands resistance better than anyone I know, and his whole book is a goldmine of great productivity tips.

Next in series: PP8: 10-3-2-1-0 rule – Countdown to a good night’s sleep