Why Are Tasks Easier than Initiatives?
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to check off tasks from your to-do list than it is to take on new initiatives? The answer lies in the concept of “resistance.”
When we have a task that we’ve done before, the effort and risks involved are known in advance. There’s social pressure to fulfill our commitments, and there’s little friction in the process. It may be work, but it’s not particularly challenging.
On the other hand, when it comes to new initiatives, the situation is reversed. The effort and potential repercussions are unknown, and in many cases, there’s pressure to maintain the status quo.
At the core of it all is the act of making decisions. Decisions may not always seem arduous on the surface (such as choosing left or right, yes or no), but the emotional labor and perceived risks are very real. The difficulty of making hard decisions often stems from the stories we tell ourselves about the consequences and responsibilities involved.
Once we recognize that taking initiative (or rather, offering initiative) requires effort, we can dedicate the necessary time and resources to do it effectively.