Getting started can sometimes be the hardest part. I was reflecting on this recently—ironically, instead of just diving into a task.

When I pick up a book to study, there’s no decision-making involved. The structure is already there—I start at the beginning and move forward. There’s no need to figure out where to begin, what to focus on, or which sections matter most. Within a few paragraphs, I build momentum. If the book is engaging and well-written, I gain insights that excite me. If it’s dull, I simply skim through faster. Either way, I experience a sense of progress, flow, and completion, making me feel productive.

But not all tasks create that same sense of momentum. Take yesterday, for example—I spent the entire day working on search engine marketing. Unlike reading a book, where the next step is clear, I constantly had to decide what to do next. Since it’s not something I do regularly, I wasn’t always sure which actions would have the most impact. The result? A mix of frustration and self-doubt.

Is Momentum Truly Productive?

Momentum feels good, but does that always mean it’s productive?

When I was four, I attended an ice-skating show and was completely mesmerized. I imagined myself effortlessly gliding, spinning, and leaping across the ice just like the performers. Reality, however, was far less graceful. When my dad finally took me ice skating, I spent more time falling than skating, clinging to the railing for support.

Learning vs. Doing

In my mind, things often seem much easier than they turn out to be in practice. When I learn about something, all the pieces fall into place, and I feel like I understand the bigger picture. But actually putting that knowledge into action is a slow, stumbling process filled with gaps and setbacks.

Sometimes, instead of pushing through the challenges of implementation, I find myself retreating into learning mode—reading more, gathering more information, and convincing myself that this preparation is enough. In some cases, just mentally simulating an action can create the illusion that I’ve already accomplished something, making it a substitute rather than a foundation for real work.

The Trap of Expectations

This pattern isn’t unique to me—I see it in others too. People often tie their self-worth to competence, choosing to stick to things they know they can do well. When they finally attempt something new, the reality doesn’t match the perfect execution they envisioned, leading to frustration and self-doubt.

The real issue is expectations. When we set the bar too high, comparing our initial attempts to the polished results we imagined, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Instead, if we approached new challenges with the mindset of a beginner—allowing room for mistakes and gradual improvement—we wouldn’t feel so disheartened by the learning process.

Ultimately, productivity isn’t just about momentum or avoiding failure—it’s about embracing the messy, imperfect journey of turning knowledge into action.