This is true for starting anything. When I’m getting ready to run, I know I have a five minute warmup then a stretch, then the run, but when I start, it’s just a five minute warmup – nice and easy, no rushing.

For a work example, if I’m dreading starting something, I’ll spend a little time the day before just getting ready for it. Get the data accessible, write a checklist (as above, very helpful for offloading brain work onto the page), get reference documents ready (printed), etc.