# To make progress, set the bar lower If you want to make progress, you need to set the bar lower when you're down to the day to day work level. This is because setting the bar too high tends to be *overwhelming*. It leads to doubt, fear, procrastination and, as a result, inaction. This is a trap that many fall into, and it kills their ability to make tangible progress. In contrast, [[Atomic tasks]] are by definition, meaningful, and achievable in a short period of time. For instance, if you want to write a book, then it can feel daunting at first. But working on a book is a *process*. It takes time. And the work required can (and really should!) be spread over a long period of time. That big objective can be decomposed in many small, but meaningful steps. Supposing you're working on a non-fiction book, you need to: - Brainstorm about your target audience - Identify their pain points, the problem you want to tackle, and how you're going to help them solve it - Write a sales copy - Brainstorm about the topics to cover and content to include - Create a high level outline (i.e., think about the chapters and sections) - Prepare a marketing plan - Iterate over the outline to go deeper and deeper into the subject matter - Write one section at a time - Write a summary of each chapter - Edit each chapter - Proofread everything - ... The above is a simple [[Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)]]. That structure is key, as it helps to identify the small wins that are within your reach. As you tackle each item on that initial list, you can continue lowering the bar. Instead of having one big and hairy goal (i.e., writing the whole book), you need focus on many well-defined and accessible tasks to execute. Lowering the bar makes complex goals much more approachable. See [[The value of smaller goals]]. In the previous example, instead of writing a book (which will remain your actual end goal), you will work on paragraphs and sections, which will end up forming chapters, and ultimately a complete book. Making work approachable has tons of positive side-effects. [[Small wins will keep you motivated, and will make it easier for you to celebrate your progress and feel proud]]. See [[Small wins]] and [[Why focusing on less leads to more]] When you remove the burden and the stress of the big and hairy goal, motivation is generally not an issue anymore. All you need to reach the end goal is to show up again and again, enjoying your progress. In turn, showing up is all about developing sane habits and a solid routine. Sane habits will help you avoid procrastination and behaviors that tend to lower your overall productivity (e.g., not sleeping enough, not eating well, etc). On the other hand, a solid routine will make it a breeze to get back to work, create or restore the [[Mental context]] you need and to get into the zone, doing your best work. [[The journey to achieving your biggest dreams begins with a single, manageable step]]