Generally, we avoid hard tasks, putting them off while we either do easier tasks or distract ourselves. This is understandable, as a hard task might feel daunting or overwhelming. Unfortunately, spending our hours on urgent but easy tasks versus difficult but important tasks is generally a costly choice. So let’s talk for a minute about hard tasks. If we can focus on them and get them done, we can have a greater impact in a fraction of the time.​​​​ The reason we tend to avoid hard tasks is usually that they’re daunting—filled with uncertainty and sub-tasks to the point of being overwhelming. We also fear failing at them. So what I’ve found to help are things people know but often dismiss. Do a small bit of the bigger task. People dismiss this because they underestimate how powerful it can be. Have a big report to do? Just rough out the first two paragraphs. …