Sometimes I Just Don’t Want To

Let’s be honest.

Sometimes, I just don’t want to.  I bet you sometimes don’t want to either.

That project I committed to?

The email that’s been sitting in my draft folder for days?

The strategic plan I should feel excited about but can’t seem to crack open?

The handwritten thank you note to a deserving host?

Even the most motivated among us hit that wall—where the resistance is real, the energy is low, and the desire is nowhere to be found. And yet… the work still calls.

In the field of life design and work design, we know that crafting a meaningful, vibrant life doesn’t mean loving every single task. It means designing around those moments when you just don’t want to—and still moving forward with grace.

So what do you do when you just don’t want to?

Here are a few tried-and-true tips that help me and my clients get unstuck:

1. Do It When You’re High Energy

Jump into your task when your energy is highest. For some, that’s first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand. For others, it’s in the mid-morning groove or an early evening second wind. Save your “don’t wanna” tasks for your peak performance window. You’ll be surprised how much easier they feel.

2. Break It Into Micro-Tasks

Big, ambiguous tasks are momentum killers. Instead of “write proposal,” start with “open a doc and title it.” Then “jot down 3 key points.” Tiny steps create motion—and motion builds motivation. One small start leads to the next, and suddenly you’re rolling.

3. Reward Yourself

Build in a treat or a break. Promise yourself a walk, a yummy espresso, a quick call to a friend—or even a dance break—after the task is done. Positive reinforcement isn’t just for kids or dogs. It works wonders on grown-ups, too.

4. Make It Brighter

Play music. Light a candle. Change your scenery. Put on your favorite hoodie. Add a touch of delight or ritual to make the task feel less like a chore and more like a choice. When you brighten the container, even the dullest contents become a little more tolerable.

Designing a life you love doesn’t mean skipping the hard stuff—it means learning how to approach it with compassion, creativity, and just enough structure to get you to the other side.

So the next time you think,

“Ugh, I really don’t want to……”     

know that you’re not alone.

Then grab your best energy, take a tiny step, and give yourself a little treat for showing up anyway.

Your brightest life is waiting.

Full disclosure: I had to overcome my own resistance on this sunny day just to write this very blog post. I was tempted by everything else—fresh air, snacks, my dog’s hopeful eyes. But once I sat down and started tapping the keys… voilà, I had a topic right before me that I could share with you. A real one. An important one. And a skill that’s essential for anyone learning how to live bright now.