I agree that the practical steps the article proposes aren't mind-blowing. On the other hand, if you look at the title of the post and the way the issue is fra

I agree that the practical steps the article proposes aren't mind-blowing. On the other hand, if you look at the title of the post and the way the issue is framed: >In fact, it was painfully difficult. And I was struck with a flood of emotions: fear, anxiety, despair, etc. I just wanted to sleep and not deal with it. I think it's pretty clear that what you're "hacking" isn't the task, its the anxiety. Sure, there are people out there who don't get overwhelmed by the challenges that they face. But if you've ever spent time tutoring, you know that it is remarkable how often your charge has not presented his or herself with the facts of the matter at hand and reviewed what they already know. If you're in a frame of mind where you are procrastinating out of anxiety, telling yourself "just look at it" can lower the bar and make it possible to move forward.