The 5-Minute Starter

One page. Five minutes. Your next project actually finishes.

Free companion to · The Follow-Through Field Manual
1
Pick ONE projectNot the impressive one — the one you most want finished. Write it at the top of a sticky note.
2
Define "done" in one sentence"Done when ___." Boring and specific beats inspiring and vague. This kills Exit Friction.
3
Shrink the daily unit to insultingOne sentence. Put on shoes. Five minutes. If you'd feel silly calling it "work," it's the right size.
4
Anchor it to a routine you already do"After I pour coffee." "While the kettle boils." Use existing rails — don't invent new time.
5
Remove one point of friction tonightLeave it on the stand. Put it on the pillow. Delete the app. Environment > willpower.
6
Name your Middle ValleyWhen motivation dies (usually day 3–10), what's your signal? A wall streak? A text to a friend? Light it now.
7
Schedule the Weekly ReviewSame 10 minutes, same day. Count show-ups. One adjustment. This is the dashboard.
8
Start a Quit ListOne line on why it's okay to drop what doesn't serve you. Released projects free more energy than finished ones.
Why this works: "Not finishing" is a logistics problem, not a willpower problem. These 8 boxes defeat the four real killers — the Initiation Tax, the Honeymoon Crash, the Middle Valley, and Exit Friction. Do the small unit daily. Ship ugly at the end. Improve after.
Want the full 30-day system with worksheets? → The Follow-Through Field Manual
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