If you have an unresolved task in your mind, what is the first step you should take?

The first step in managing an unresolved task is to gather it into an approved gathering point. This approach aligns with effective productivity techniques, such as David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) method, which emphasizes the importance of capturing tasks and commitments in a trusted system. By moving the task out of your mind and into a designated place, you reduce mental clutter and ensure that you won’t forget about it. This externalization creates clarity, allowing you to review and prioritize tasks later.

Establishing a gathering point can take various forms, such as a digital task manager, a notebook, or an organized file. The key is that this point should be a reliable system where you can store worries and tasks until you’re ready to address them, enabling you to focus on the current tasks at hand without the distraction of unresolved issues lingering in your mind.