Use tripwires to get out of autopilot mode

Identify the project you’re currently working on.

Set a deadline.
It is the most common tripwire. Some deadlines are natural, like the deadline for filing stories at a daily newspaper—the printing press has to roll at a certain time, whether the story is ready or not. Most deadlines are simply made-up. They are artificially created tripwires to force an action or a decision.

Determine partition or a budget.
Say your husband wants to start a sculpture business. You think the idea is bonkers, but you admire his passion, so it seems cruel to veto it. Instead, set a tripwire. “Okay, dear, let’s try the sculpture business, but can we agree not to invest more than $10,000?” Alternatively, you might say: “Go for it, but if you don't get a paying customer within three months, let's seriously consider Plan B.”