A blank page can have a lot of surface tension. Start by breaking that. You don't have to start actually writing. Put down the title if you know it yet, or (title) if not. Put the date if using that. Any requirements like a deadline or target length. If you will be using notes, put Notes; I often start by looking up a few things I know I'll need. If it's an article, think about subheaders; for fiction, chapter titles. For short works I often just throw down a few phrases about things I know need to happen. I only do outlining for longer or more complicated stuff.
By the time I've got those preliminary pieces in place, I'm usually ready for a break. When I come back, I don't have to think up what to do next -- I've got enough of a foundation to pick something and start working.
Re: Thoughts
A blank page can have a lot of surface tension. Start by breaking that. You don't have to start actually writing. Put down the title if you know it yet, or (title) if not. Put the date if using that. Any requirements like a deadline or target length. If you will be using notes, put Notes; I often start by looking up a few things I know I'll need. If it's an article, think about subheaders; for fiction, chapter titles. For short works I often just throw down a few phrases about things I know need to happen. I only do outlining for longer or more complicated stuff.
By the time I've got those preliminary pieces in place, I'm usually ready for a break. When I come back, I don't have to think up what to do next -- I've got enough of a foundation to pick something and start working.