Welcome back to my 2023 Resolution series.
Since my last post, I’ve been thinking a lot about inertia, how it stands in the way of me writing regularly and how I can move past it. I’ve come up with some ideas for dealing with inertia so that I can ‘click over’ and get on with my writing (or whatever else I might want to do).
Surely, I’m not the only person ever affected by inertia. So, I hope my ideas can help other folks as well. Have a look at these five ways to deal with inertia and see what you think.
- Recognise Inertia
The first step to overcoming inertia is to recognise it. Inertia can take many forms, but essentially it is the tendency to stay in one place, mentally or physically, instead of taking action. It can be hard to identify because it often seems like laziness or procrastination. By acknowledging that I am experiencing inertia, I can take steps to address it. - Start Small
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of a big task or project, which can make inertia even harder to overcome. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, though, I can ease the pressure by starting with small steps. This could mean setting a timer for just 10 minutes of focused work, or breaking a large task into smaller, more manageable pieces. By starting small, I build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment to keep me motivated. - Change Environment
Sometimes, the physical space I’m in can contribute to feelings of inertia. If I find myself stuck in a rut, I should try to change my environment. This could mean working in a different location, taking a walk outside, or even just rearranging my workspace. By changing my surroundings, I create a fresh perspective to help to break the cycle of inertia. - Practice Self-Awareness
Being aware of patterns and tendencies can help identify when inertia starts to set in. This can include recognising when I’m at peak productivity, what tasks are toughest for me, and what sorts of things distract me most. By being mindful of my own behaviours, I can better anticipate when I might experience inertia and take steps to address it. - Practice Self-Compassion
Finally, it’s important to practice self-compassion when dealing with inertia. It’s easy to beat yourself up for not being productive, but this only makes it harder to carry on. Instead, I should recognise that everyone experiences inertia at times, and that it’s okay to take a break or ask for help when I need it. Through kindness and understanding, I create a positive environment to overcome inertia and stay on track.
