How to Start Doing {Anything}?

Written by Igor Majercik · Posted on May 3, 2025

“I don’t even know where to start. I wanted to start, but then I realized it would be too hard. I always give up even before I begin.”

Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Everyone runs into the same issue. Starting something new and unknown can be a daunting task. But what if I told you there’s a simple way to start, stick with, and complete any task — no matter how big it is?

TL;DR

• Learning something new shouldn’t be a goal — it should be a vision that motivates us and pulls us forward.
• Everything new is unknown, and the unknown feels overwhelming.
• When a task feels too big, we often don’t know how to begin or what steps to take.
• Break big tasks into smaller ones.
• If a smaller task still feels too big, break it down again.
• Completing tasks gives a sense of progress and satisfaction — like checking off a list.
• Both your vision and your tasks should be revisited and adjusted as you go.

Goal vs. Vision and Motivation

Learning something new shouldn’t be a goal — it should be a vision we slowly move toward. It should motivate us.

When we treat “learning X” as a goal, it can feel binary: either we’ve succeeded or failed. That’s a trap. Learning is not all-or-nothing; it’s continuous. A better mindset is to treat learning as a direction, not a destination.

Think of it like walking toward the horizon: you may never reach it fully, but every step takes you somewhere meaningful.

New Is Unknown. Unknown Feels Impossible.

Everything new is, by definition, unfamiliar. That makes it feel overwhelming.

The unknown seems infinite. Starting something new often triggers analysis paralysis — not because we’re lazy or unmotivated, but because our brains dislike ambiguity. Accept this discomfort and reduce the unknowns step by step.

Split Your Work and You Win

When a task is too big, we don’t know how to approach it — the steps feel unclear.

Big goals are like dense forests. Without a path or a map, it’s easy to feel lost. When a task is overwhelming, your brain freezes — and that’s the moment you need to break it down.

Break any large task into smaller tasks.

For example, “learn to code” is too vague. Instead, break it into:

• Set up your development environment
• Take a beginner tutorial
• Build a mini project

Still too big? Break it down again.

This is what I call “fractal progress.” Keep splitting the task until the next step is so small and clear that you could do it in one sitting:

• Pick a project idea
• Write down the key features
• Set up a Git repository

Tasks Give Us Completion — and Motivation

Every time you finish a task, your brain rewards you with dopamine. This is why checklists feel so satisfying — they make progress visible.

Visible progress fuels motivation. You’re no longer relying only on willpower; you’re feeding off the energy of your own accomplishments.

Visions, Tasks, and Goals Should Evolve

Don’t lock yourself into a rigid plan. As you learn and grow, your understanding — and your vision — may shift.

That’s a good thing.

Adjust your plan. Refine your steps. Realign your vision. Progress isn’t a straight line — it’s a loop of action and recalibration.