Give Your Brain New Evidence
Sep 29, 2026
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We often dismiss the power of one small action. We want momentum, confidence, and motivation. They feel bigger and more helpful. It’s a moment where we’ve made procrastination into the villain that the super hero has to defeat.
But look at him. He’s snuggled on the sofa, adjusting his blanket and offering popcorn, with extra butter. He’s too cute to be the villain in your life. Also, if we learn how to get along with him, maybe he’ll share some of that yummy popcorn.
Last week, we practiced noticing him. Instead of saying, “I am a procrastinator,” we practiced, “Oh, Procrastino is here.” It separates us from the pattern. Procrastino may be present, but procrastination is not our identity. He doesn’t get to be in charge.
This week, we’re going to give your brain new evidence by taking one small action. That action tells the truth. I can begin. I can take action. I can do the thing while it still feels uncomfortable. We are acting through the discomfort. Action is what makes the thing feel doable. It’s a message to your brain: “We did the thing for five minutes, and we survived.” This is how we start to rebuild trusting ourselves.
Let’s use the Clarity Loop one more time. When Procrastino is charge, the thought is, “It will be easier do it later.” Once we look at how we feel, below the surface feeling of relief, we realize we’re a little disappointed in ourselves. The action is delay. We do something else. The result is the thing is still not done, and we haven’t made anything easier.
Let’s try a different loop with a more helpful thought. “I can do one small thing.” The feeling? Possibility, willingness. The action is one small step. The result? Evidence you can do it.
Now, we are going to bring in a little 3x5 helper. An index card. Post-it notes are fine, too. It’s small on purpose. It’s too small to hold your whole life or a long list. It’s going to hold one thing.
At the top, write the thing you’ve been avoiding. Check the tire pressure. Put out the grass seed. Go through the photographs. Clean out the closet. Underneath it, write one small action you can take. The key word is small. Google gas station with air machine. Buy the grass seed. Go through 20 photos. Clear the floor of the closet. Small is how we get moving. Then write one thought at the bottom of the card to keep Procrastino from being in charge of the project.
I’m in charge here.
Five minutes counts.
This is discomfort, not danger.
Choose one that feels true enough to practice. If it makes you roll your eyes, pick a different thought.
Put the card where you can see it. When you start the action, if Procrastino shows up, notice him. “Oh, Procrastino is here.” Of course he is. Then look at the card and do the small action. Set a timer for five minutes if that helps. You’re building trust in yourself.
Every small action gives you a little more evidence that you can lead yourself through discomfort. No more letting Procrastino make your decisions.
Notice the ink-making.
See the loop.
Borrow a plan.
Decide who’s in charge.
Take one small action.
That’s the path through procrastination.
Want a little help getting unstuck? Download the free Path Through Procrastination coloring book from the Tools & Treasures library.
Let me know what you end up working on so I can cheer you on,
Interested in learning more about coaching? Don’t procrastinate! 😉 Send me a message and we’ll set up a time to talk about it. (paigekullmancoaching@gmail.com)
