Hello Reader,

Ready to move things forward today?

Waiting for certainty is like waiting for your cat to bark—it's not happening, friend. So put on those action pants and get moving, because that's where the magic happens!

With kindness, Steve Mattus

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P.S. If you're still waiting for a sign, this is it. Woof Woof! Now go forth and conquer, you sparkly supernova!

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A Supportive System to get your cat to bark (so to speak)

In the quiet moments before dawn, when the world is still shrouded in possibility, I often find myself at a crossroads. I can feel stuck. I can be frozen. Or, I can move and take action. Sometimes I'm unsure of which path to take. The weight of indecision can be paralyzing, like a heavy blanket that, oddly, both comforts and constrains. [There is always a very good reason this crossroads is alive within... it's outside of the scope of this discussion today... just know... you're not foolish or lazy... there's a very good, logical reason. Good news: you don't have to know why, to get beyond it.]

I know this feeling intimately. For many years, I found myself trapped in cycles of analysis paralysis, endlessly weighing options without ever (or rarely) taking a step forward. My dreams felt like distant stars—beautiful, but impossibly far away.

But here’s the truth Reader: movement begets movement. Action, no matter how small, is the key that unlocks the door to progress.

So how do we move from stuck to unstuck? I want to share a little supportive system that can guide you through the fog of uncertainty and into the clear light of action... if effect, getting your cat to bark.

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1) Acknowledge the Stuckness

First, we must honor where we are. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Feel the stuckness in your body. Where does it reside? Is it a heaviness in your chest? A tightness in your shoulders? Simply notice, without judgment.

This acknowledgment is not about dwelling in discomfort, but about creating space for change. As Rumi said, “Don't turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That's where the light enters you.”

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2) Identify the Smallest Possible Step

Now, imagine your goal as a magnificent oak tree. To grow this tree, you don’t need to plant the whole forest at once. You simply need to plant one tiny acorn.

What’s your acorn? What’s the smallest, most minuscule action you could take right now? It might be as simple as opening a document, making a phone call, or putting on your running shoes.

Remember, we’re not looking for perfection here. We’re looking for progress.

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3) Set a Timer for Five Minutes - Make an Anchoring Gesture

Here’s where the magic happens. Set a timer for five minutes—just five—and commit to working on your acorn for that time. No more, no less.

Why five minutes? Because it’s long enough to make progress, but short enough to be unintimidating. It’s a commitment even the most stuck among us can make.

However, as you start your time, do a quick Anchoring Gesture. For me, this is rubbing my palms together for a few seconds. Do this as often as you can remember before you take any action... this will come in handy down the road - it'll help you get out of stuckness just by doing this gesture. You could snap your fingers, pat your shoulders, tap your heart - whatever you want. Just anchor the action you're about to take.

Ready... set... go!

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4) Celebrate the Action

When the timer goes off, stop. Take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve done. You’ve moved! You’ve taken action! This is no small feat, my friend.

It reinforces the neural pathways that lead to more action, more progress, more flow. (← That's neuroscience! See! I told you last week we'd get to geek out a little bit.)

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5) Reflect and Adjust

Now, take a moment to reflect. How do you feel? What did you learn? What would you do differently next time?

This reflection isn’t about judgment—it’s about growth. It’s about tuning into your inner wisdom and letting it guide your next steps.

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6) Rinse and Repeat

Tomorrow, or even later today, do it again. And again. And again.

Remember, friend, progress isn’t linear. It’s a series of spirals, each one taking you higher and closer to your goals.

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It might seem ridiculous or even childish... I get it. It's not a cure all... but I’ve used this system countless times, in moments big and small. It’s helped me write programs, launch businesses, and even, on the hardest days, simply get out of bed. Recently, when my system happened to be in a period of dorsal collapse - this supportive system literally helped save me. I mean this literally.

It’s like learning to surf. At first, you’ll spend more time in the water than on the board. But with each attempt, you’ll find your balance a little quicker, ride the waves a little longer. And before you know it, you’ll be gliding atop the very forces that once overwhelmed you.

So, dear one, what’s your acorn? What’s the tiniest step you can take today?

One last quick tip: Don't decide what to do.... just take a step on something that feels important. Decision fatigue is real. You can't go wrong here. Promise. Just start somewhere... anywhere. And don't skip step #4. You gotta feel it... really experience the fact that you did something. It honestly makes a huge difference.

Meow WOOF!

Steve

P.S. Still feeling stuck? Remember, even reading this was an action. You’re already moving. Keep going, you brilliant, beautiful soul. The world is waiting for your light.