Introduction
Starting tasks can feel overwhelming especially if it's something important like a work project. You sit down to work, but instead of taking action, you just sit there waiting for something to happen. Then you start browsing the web, time flies by and It's another day. You haven't made much progress. So what's the deal here?
The problem isn’t just the task itself or you not wanting to work — it’s the mental friction of starting. It is overwhelming and you are not alone. This problem is known as Task Initiation and it is a common problem that a lot of adults with ADHD face.
Otto is designed to help you overcome that mental friction of taking action and avoid decision paralysis. How? Otto has this feature called Workflows. I'll go into more detail later.
You see there are 3 of things at play when you want to start something
- Friction: This is the mental effort or overwhelm that causes you to not take action.
- Nudge: A little push that reduces or removes the mental effort to take action by offering you a clear choice.
- Boundaries: This helps you set a defined start time and an end time so that you don't become more anxious and this helps create reassurance.
Why timers are useful for setting boundaries
For someone who struggles with starting tasks, all of the above are lacking. One of the core features of Otto is a timer. A timer helps create boundaries.
By defining a start time and an end time, it gives you a clear idea of what to do during that time. It makes you realize that time is finite. Have you noticed that when you don't set a timer while, you just end up browsing the web and do something unrelated and then you don't remember what you were doing? It's a common problem! A timer reframes how you think about time: it’s finite, and it needs to be used intentionally.
The Secret is "Nudge theory"
While timers are useful, for someone who struggles with starting, starting a timer itself can be a challenge. Forgetfulness and avoidance are a common problem for those with ADHD. So if not timers, what else?
The answer lies in behavioral science. You see there's this concept called Nudge Theory. Basically it says subtle, indirect suggestions and positive reinforcements can influence people's decisions and behaviors without restricting their choices.
So how does Nudge theory work with Otto?
One of Otto's features is called Workflows. It borrows a few ideas from Nudge theory, mostly subtle indirect suggestions and positive reinforcements.
When you set up a workflow, it will always ask you to make a choice. And when you make a choice, you already took the first step. Unlike before when you didn't have that nudge, you found it hard to even do anything.
Now, here's where the timer comes in. Since a timer helps you set boundaries, workflows nudges you to start timers and make a choice.
Timers also nudge your mind to take action when a timer turned on. It basically reframes the way you think over time.
There are a few options when a workflow is prompted
- You can start a Pomodoro timer
- You can start a Break
- You can start a Task timer
- Skip the workflow
Even if you skip, you still made an intentional choice — which is better than mindless avoidance.
Things to remember
- It is completely okay to skip workflows. Somedays can be hard, or something comes up.
- The objective of workflows is to help you take action everyday over a long period of time.
How do Workflows actually work?
Okay, since I've explained the psychology behind it, now you might be wondering how it mind actually work.
Workflows work by tapping into:
- Routines – Things you do daily (e.g., opening your laptop at 9 AM).
- Habits – Actions you do automatically (e.g., checking social media).
- Mindless actions – Things you do without thinking (e.g., visiting YouTube out of habit).
Setting Up a Workflow
A workflow needs two things:
- A trigger period – The time range when it activates (e.g., 9:15–10:15 AM).
- A trigger website – The site that prompts the workflow (e.g., YouTube).
You can read more on How to create Workflows
Example: Let’s say you start work around 9:30 AM but struggle to get going. Instead, you browse social media, and before you know it, it’s noon.
You can set up a Workflow for YouTube between 9:15 and 10:15 AM. Now, when you visit YouTube in that time frame, Otto prompts you to make a choice—helping you break the cycle of avoidance.
Why Workflows Work
- They build momentum and consistency.
- They help you take action with less effort.
- They make starting feel automatic over time.
Otto isn’t just a productivity app—it’s a system to help you reduce friction, take deliberate action, and build habits that stick.
If you’re tired of procrastinating and want to make consistent progress, Otto could be the nudge you need.
