The Good Ship Illustration When you want to work but can’t seem to start
Jan 23, 2026
They unpack why fear, procrastination and perfectionism stop you from starting creative work. Listen for playful tricks like bribery, 20-minute sprints and deliberate “bad” versions to unblock momentum. Hear warming-up rituals, radical incrementalism, co-working and focus tools to keep energy high. Practical tips on juggling multiple pieces and using deadlines and accountability to get things moving.
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Start With A Small Bribe And A Timer
- Do bribe yourself with a small treat to get started, then commit to a short timed session like 20 minutes.
- Once the 20 minutes pass, use the momentum to carry on or schedule another short session.
Getting Someone Else To Tidy The Studio
- Helen asked Jerry to tidy her studio because she couldn't even face that small task herself, and he made it inviting again.
- That shift removed the initial barrier and helped her re-enter the workspace more easily.
Tiny Daily Steps Beat Marathon Bursts
- Radical incrementalism makes big projects manageable by limiting work to very small daily chunks like 20 minutes.
- Consistent tiny efforts add up faster and more reliably than occasional marathon sessions.
