Task Initiation Worksheet: Kickstart Your Efforts!

Name: _________________________


Date: _________________________

Part 1: Your Task Tangle

1. What is a task you've been putting off or finding hard to start? (e.g., homework, a project, cleaning your room, practicing an instrument)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Why do you think it's been hard to start this task? (e.g., it feels too big, I don't know where to begin, I'm worried it won't be perfect)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Choose Your Kickstart Strategy!

We learned about three strategies to help you get started:

• The 5-Minute Rule: Commit to working for just 5 minutes.
• Break It Down: Divide a big task into smaller, manageable steps.
• Just Start Anywhere!: Pick any small part of the task and begin.

1. Which strategy do you think would be most helpful for your task? Circle one:
   
   
   
   
   • The 5-Minute Rule
   • Break It Down
   • Just Start Anywhere!
2. Describe how you will use this strategy. What is the very first step you will take to get started on your task?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: My Kickstart Commitment

1. I commit to trying my chosen kickstart strategy on this task (or another task) by: (write a date or time frame)
   ____________________________________________________
   
   
2. I believe that by taking this first step, I will feel: (circle all that apply)
   • More in control
   • Less stressed
   • More motivated
   • Proud of myself
   • Ready to keep going
   • Other: _________________________
     
     
     

Discussion Cards: Why Start Now?

Cut these cards apart or display one at a time for group discussion.

Card 1: The Mountain Ahead

Think of a time you had a big task (like a large project or a big cleanup). How did it feel before you even started? What made it seem difficult to take the first step?

Card 2: The Procrastination Trap

What usually happens when you put off starting a task? Does it get easier or harder? What are some feelings you experience when you procrastinate?

Card 3: The Power of Starting Small

Have you ever started a task, even a very small part of it, and then found it easier to continue? Share an example. What changed once you took that first step?

Card 4: Overcoming the Fear

Sometimes we don't start because we worry it won't be perfect, or we might fail. How can we challenge these thoughts and just try to begin, even if it's not perfect?

Card 5: Your Go-To Strategy

Before learning new strategies, what (if anything) do you usually do to try and get yourself to start a task? Does it work? Why or why not?

Activity: First Step Forward!

This activity is designed to help students apply task initiation strategies to real or hypothetical tasks.

Instructions for Students:

1. Identify a Task: Think of a task you need to start, either for school, home, or a personal goal. It could be something like:

   • Starting a homework assignment
   • Organizing your backpack or desk
   • Beginning a long-term project
   • Practicing a skill (musical instrument, sport)

2. Choose a Strategy: Look at the three strategies we discussed:

   • The 5-Minute Rule: "I'll just work on this for 5 minutes."
   • Break It Down: "I'll divide this big task into smaller steps."
   • Just Start Anywhere!: "I'll pick any small part and just begin."

3. Plan Your First Step: On your Task Initiation Worksheet (Part 2), describe how you will use your chosen strategy to take the very first step on your task. Make it super small and achievable!

   • Example for "The 5-Minute Rule": If my task is to write an essay, my first step might be "I will open a blank document and write down the essay prompt for 5 minutes."
   • Example for "Break It Down": If my task is to clean my room, my first step might be "I will pick up 5 items off the floor."
   • Example for "Just Start Anywhere!": If my task is to study for a test, my first step might be "I will grab my textbook and a pencil."

4. Share (Optional): If you feel comfortable, share your task and your planned first step with a partner or your small group.

Teacher Guidance:

• Circulate around the classroom as students are working on their worksheets.
• Provide individual support and feedback on their chosen tasks and first steps.
• Encourage students to make their first steps specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to increase their chances of success.

Game: Task Tangle Breakout!

Objective: To quickly identify small, actionable first steps for common daunting tasks.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or large paper
• Markers
• Timer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Divide into Teams: Split the class into 2-4 teams.

2. The Task Tangle: Explain that each round, you will present a "Task Tangle" – a common, overwhelming task that students often procrastinate on (e.g., "Clean your entire bedroom," "Study for a huge science test," "Write a long essay").

3. Breakout Brainstorm: Give each team 30-60 seconds (use a timer if desired) to brainstorm the very first, smallest possible step a student could take to "break out" of the task tangle, using one of the strategies discussed (5-Minute Rule, Break It Down, Just Start Anywhere!).

   • Example Tasks & First Steps:
     • Task Tangle: "Clean your entire bedroom."
       • First Step: "Pick up one item off the floor." (Just Start Anywhere!)
       • First Step: "Make my bed for 5 minutes." (5-Minute Rule)
     • Task Tangle: "Study for a huge science test."
       • First Step: "Open my science textbook to the first chapter." (Just Start Anywhere!)
       • First Step: "Write down two topics I need to review." (Break It Down)

4. Share & Score: After the time is up, each team shares their first step.

   • Award points for creative, truly small, and actionable first steps.
   • Award bonus points if a team can clearly state which strategy their first step uses.
   • Discuss briefly if a suggested first step is genuinely small and helps overcome the initial hurdle.

5. New Tangle, New Round: Continue with 3-5 rounds, presenting a new "Task Tangle" each time.

Reinforcement: Emphasize that the goal is not to finish the task, but to practice identifying any small step to start. This builds momentum and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.