Got a task or chore you need to get done but are having trouble starting? It happens to all of us, often without rhyme or reason. You know what I mean; maybe you need to balance your checkbook or make a call and you find yourself doing anything but.

One way to nudge yourself to do something like this is to bookend it with a friend. It works like this:

You call a friend and tell them you are going to do X and you commit to calling them back when X is complete.

Such a call might sound like this: Hi Carol, I’m going to spend 20 minutes sorting out the kitchen drawer; I’ll call you back when I’m done, or “Hey Bill, I’m going shopping for my wife’s anniversary present. I’ll call back when I’m home with the present wrapped.

I’ve found it works even if I’m only leaving a message on my friend’s answering machine. There’s something about creating instant accountability that makes the chore easier to start and complete.