Friction reduction

A way forward

Friction is anything that makes your next step harder. Choose one everyday situation and look for one support that could help.

Download the fillable worksheet (PDF)

One page. Print it or type into the PDF. Your reflection can stay with you.

A Way Forward: the four-step Friction Reduction worksheet, with an example about finding your keys. The four questions are also written beside the image.
Select the image to view it at full size.

Four questions to work with

  1. Notice

    What do I want or need to do that feels hard?

    Choose one specific task, routine, or moment in your day.

  2. Locate

    Where, exactly, does it get difficult?

    Look for searching, forgetting, too many steps, low energy, or missing help.

  3. Support

    What could I put in place to help?

    Consider a tool, reminder, simpler setup, backup plan, or another person.

  4. Try

    What will I do this week to put that support in place?

    Try: ‘By ___, I will ___.’ Asking for help or finding a resource counts.

Money & survival

Start with the part that needs support.

For example: “I want to finish an assistance application, but I do not know which documents I need.” A useful support might be a clear document checklist and someone at the program who can answer questions. One first step could be asking the program for that checklist.

Some barriers need money, time, access, or help from others. Naming the support you need is a valid next step, even when you cannot put it in place on your own.