Sometimes external structure can help with activation energy.

· Bits and Bobs 12/1/25
  • Sometimes external structure can help with activation energy.
    • Activation energy makes it hard to start tasks, even ones that you know you should, or that you want to do.
    • External structure can help give you the "kick" you need. For example:
      • Having a meeting to get to 5 minutes from now.
      • Having someone else expecting you to do the task by a deadline.
    • Some external structure is more effective than others.
    • Some are like "Answer this multiple choice question in the next five minutes."
      • Easy to do: small task, short time frame.
      • If you don't start it right now it won't get done, so it's obvious you need to start now.
    • Some are like "Turn in this essay next Friday."
      • More work to do, more time, easier to put off.
      • "I'll do this tomorrow when I'm not as busy."
    • The sooner you need to do it, the more effective the external structure is at compelling you to actually get over your activation energy hump and do it.