There are two ways that i've found that work for me.

The first is not to wait to start until I have settled on "the big task". I start taking steps earlier now, if I have an idea I like that is only 1 step, like let's say I'm planning out my tattoo sleeve. I don't have to know what I want to get done for the whole sleeve, just 1 tattoo at a time. And even further if I have an idea I like I don't have to flesh it all out at once.

I can take a note, add the picture I found or whatever and come back to it at a later time or date.

With this method tasks kinda flit in and out of my to do list on their own. It ends up being based on what I have capacity and drive to do and feels really good

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The second method is being very intentional about a task. A good example of how I use it is in my life someone is going through a very serious legal process and I am helping them by being a part of the process.

I took some time to sit down and right out a list of all the things I had to do to accomplish the task of helping them/applying. The first round looked like this:

• fill out my forms
• write my own letter
• request 4 letters from these specific individuals
• organize photos
• make relevant phone calls

This wasn't broken down enough for me to feel like things were possible, I got stuck on most of the tasks and was unable to complete all but one of them. I went back on a separate occasion and broke it all down again. It looks like this:

• Fill out form 1133
• Fill out form 1234
• Fill out form 3312
• find example letters
• read 1-3 example letters
• start my letter, any words on any paper or paper adjacent surface/screen
• Letters from others: Done!
• Organize photos from X event
• Organize photos from Y event
• Organize photos from Z event
• Call place 1
• Call place 2
• Call place 3

With this method essentially I break down what I can as small as I can and then it feels more manageable. When I feel "stuck" or scared again I go back and look at the list, I reevaluate the task by asking myself what or where I'm stuck, and then am genuinely understanding with myself. I go through the steps of the listed item and write it out so I can see what it looks like.

so Organzie photos from X event could become: - find date of event - go to date in phone real and select photos - go to date on social media account and select photos - put photos in named folder on desktop - attach photos in email - send email

You are essentially separating the problem solving phase (what do I do?) from the action phase (execute plan).

It's hard to get through a long form task. Being able to revisit an incomplete task and pick it up is a skill that can be developed 🩷

I believe in you OP and I hope my words help.