Take the exhaustion out of executing
- Lay Jordan
- Mar 22
- 5 min read
Episode No. 34
Where to listen:
From Dreams to Reality: Making Execution Effortless
When you're at your lowest point, even basic tasks can feel impossible. But here's the truth: taking action, no matter how small, can actually help lift your mood and energy levels. You don't need to feel motivated to make progress - in fact, the act of doing something itself can create motivation. These gentle approaches will help you keep moving forward, even on your hardest days, and might just help you feel a bit better in the process.
1. The Two-Minute Rule
When everything feels overwhelming, start tiny. If something takes less than two minutes, do it right now. Don't think about it, don't plan it - just do it. This works even when you're exhausted because it requires almost no mental energy.
2. Time Blocking
Instead of facing an endless to-do list, give yourself permission to work in small chunks. Even 15 minutes counts. Schedule these mini-blocks when you typically have a slight energy boost, like right after your morning coffee.
3. Energy Management
Honor your current energy levels - don't fight them. Save demanding tasks for your slightly better moments. When you're really struggling, stick to simple, routine tasks that don't require much mental bandwidth.
4. The "Just Start" Technique
When you're feeling paralyzed, commit to just 2 minutes - not 5. That's all. Two minutes of slow, imperfect progress is infinitely better than no progress. You can always stop after those 2 minutes.
5. Progress Tracking
Use the simplest possible system - even just one checkmark per day
Count every tiny action as a win - no achievement is too small
A 10-second daily glance at your checkmarks reminds you that you're still trying
6. Dealing with Obstacles
When everything feels impossible:
Break tasks down until they feel ridiculously easy
Focus on just the next microscopic step
Ask yourself: "What's the easiest possible thing I could do right now?"
7. Maintaining Momentum
On your worst days, doing anything at all is a victory. Even getting out of bed, sending one email, or drinking a glass of water counts as maintaining your streak.
Remember: You don't need to feel good to take action. You don't need to feel ready. You don't need to feel motivated. The smallest step forward is still progress, and sometimes, just surviving the day is enough. Keep your expectations gentle and celebrate every tiny win.
The Power of Small Steps
Success isn't about making dramatic leaps - it's about consistently taking small steps in the right direction. When we accept that progress often looks more like a gentle walk than a sprint, we free ourselves from the pressure of perfectionism. Each tiny action you take builds momentum, creates new habits, and slowly but surely moves you closer to your goals. Trust in the process, be patient with yourself and remember that even the smallest steps forward are worth celebrating.
The gap between dreaming and doing can feel especially wide when you're struggling with low energy or motivation. Many people are naturally gifted at envisioning their goals and creating detailed plans, but find themselves stuck when it comes to actually executing those plans. This is where gentle execution strategies become invaluable. By breaking down the actualization process into tiny, manageable steps and using techniques like the two-minute rule or energy management, you can bridge that gap between planning and doing. These approaches acknowledge that you don't need to feel inspired or energized to make progress - you just need to take one small step forward. Remember that execution doesn't have to be perfect or dramatic; it can be quiet, imperfect, and gradual. The key is to keep moving, even if those movements are barely visible.
What Inspired this Episode:
This episode was created during Fall 2024, when many content creators and productivity experts were focusing on helping their audiences finish the year strong. While the bonus content above discusses the actual execution of goals, this episode itself is centered around the planning phase - specifically how to create an effective plan for the final quarter of the year.
The timing was intentional - as Fall represents a natural period of transition and reflection, it's the perfect moment to help listeners develop a strategic approach to their remaining yearly goals. The inspiration came from seeing how many people struggle with the planning phase of their year-end push, often feeling overwhelmed by the approaching deadline of December 31st.
The episode aims to break down the planning process into manageable steps, allowing listeners to create a realistic and achievable roadmap for their final quarter, rather than jumping straight into execution mode without proper preparation.
Questions I wanted to explore:
How can we make executing goals less exhausting and more manageable?
What are the most effective strategies for transitioning from planning to action?
How do you maintain momentum when working towards long-term objectives?
What role does energy management play in successful goal execution?
How can you break down large goals into achievable daily tasks?
What are the key differences between planning and execution phases?
How do you overcome procrastination and resistance when implementing plans?
What systems can help track progress without causing burnout?
How do successful people balance planning and execution in their routines?
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when moving from strategy to implementation?
How can you create a realistic timeline for achieving your goals before year-end?
What are effective methods for measuring progress on quarterly goals?
How do you maintain work-life balance while pursuing ambitious end-of-year targets?
What strategies help prevent burnout during intense goal-pursuit periods?
How can you adjust your goals mid-quarter without losing momentum?
What role does accountability play in achieving quarterly objectives?
How do you prioritize multiple goals effectively in a limited timeframe?
What are the best ways to celebrate small wins while working towards bigger goals?
Episode Description:
In today's podcast episode, We give a step-by-step guide to making the most of the last 3 months of the year. Fall is a time of change but also a great time of reflection. The productive energy is buzzing through the fall season and it is the perfect time to lock in and work on your goals however you can before the New Year.
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Music by Remil - Evening Tea - https://thmatc.co/?l=DFECB5D4
Section | Timestamp | Notes |
Introduction | 00:00 | -Wrapping up Quarter 3 -Starting Fall -Fall is about change and slowing down -Preparing for Quarter 4/Year 4 of the 12-week year |
Steps to Take Make a plan | 01:40 | -Step 1: Reflecting on the past year/ Past Quarters -Step 2: Choose 3 goals to focus on -Step 3: Develop Strategies for each goal -Step 4: Think about how you are going to set up your check-ins and reflections -Step 5: Solidifying a New Phase -Step 6: Gather your resources and Create an atmosphere to keep pushing you forward |
Card Pull | 24:11 | -Peacock Card |
What I'm grateful for | 26:40 | -My mom and her recovery |
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