Big visions are exciting. Clean plans look impressive. Progress, the kind that actually moves our life or work forward, usually begins somewhere much less glamorous. It begins with the nitty-gritty.
A few examples of “Nitty-Gritty” in my life:
The first paragraph of the daily blog I have to write...
Starting to do my taxes...
Starting an awkward conversation...
It seems so hard, unpleasant and very difficult. To avoid the nitty-gritty, we have a few cups of coffee, think and plan for hours, or even days or weeks. Then we choose to talk to a friend instead. It is on our mind, and it is not going anywhere. We know we have to do it, but not now, later.
I was lucky that my father taught me (by his own example) this habit early: business first, pleasure second.
I remember being a teenage girl, with friends coming over to my house, trying to drag me out. I wouldn’t go anywhere until I finished my homework. They would beg my father to let me go, and he would calmly tell them, “This has nothing to do with me. It’s her decision—and once she’s decided, there’s nothing I can do.”
The reason I love this habit is that it allows me to have fun without the nagging feeling that something important has been left undone and is waiting for me. There are more benefits to starting with the nitty-gritty first:
Mental freedom. When the hard, essential part is done, your mind is quieter. You’re not half-present, split between enjoyment and obligation.
Cleaner enjoyment. Rest feels better when it’s earned. Fun becomes truly fun, not a form of procrastination disguised as relaxation.
Faster momentum. Once the hardest or messiest part is out of the way, everything else feels lighter and often moves faster than expected.
Better decisions. Tackling details early exposes reality, which leads to clearer priorities and fewer emotional or rushed choices later.
Reduced anxiety. Unfinished core tasks create background stress. Handling them first removes that constant low-level pressure.
Stronger self-trust. Each time you start with what matters most, you reinforce the belief that you can rely on yourself—even when it’s uncomfortable.
More energy over time. Avoidance is exhausting. Direct engagement, paradoxically, frees up energy instead of draining it.
Warmly
Olga Smith