Task Initiation — Breaking the Blank Page

What this addresses

Task initiation difficulty: the paradox where knowing what needs to be done doesn't translate into starting to do it. This is one of the most common and least understood EF challenges. It's not laziness, fear, or disorganization — it's a mismatch between available activation energy and the perceived entry cost of the task.

The blank page is the worst starting condition. The smallest concrete first step is the best intervention.

When to apply

Apply when:

• A user says "I don't know where to start" or "this feels overwhelming"
• A user describes a goal but hasn't taken any steps toward it
• A session starts without a clear first action
• A user returns to a project after time away and seems to need a re-entry point
• Silence + vague questions = likely initiation stall

Instructions