3 Quick Steps to Overcome Self-Improvement Inertia

In early 2020, I started noticing a common pattern in my life. Generally, I would be exceptionally productive for a few days. Then, for a while after that I only did what was necessary and didn’t really feel energetic or alive. I was just sort of just stuck in my comfort zone.

The worst thing about this was, I knew that I wasn’t on the right path. But, I just didn’t have the willpower to accept it fully and make changes. The same thing kept on happening: a few good days, followed by a bunch of bad days, and over time I started being OK with this.

Then, soon enough, I learned the reason behind it. I was losing momentum, and inertia was holding me back. As Sir Issac Newton wrote in The Principia: Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, “objects in motion tend to stay in motion.” Or, objects at rest tend to stay at rest.

It was like I was trying to turn a ship, and expecting it to be able to turn instantly. Only, in this case, that large ship was my life. I’ve gone through this phase many times in the past, and along the way I’ve picked up some handy points on how to overcome it. Let’s go through each of these steps:

1. Acknowledge the Consequences of Inaction

The first step to break out of an inertia loop is to see what’s at stake. Ask yourself, “What negative consequences will I have to face if I don’t take action soon?”

Moreover, consider getting an expert to do the same. For example, you can hire a business consultant. If they tell you that you need to make changes in your business or it’ll fail, you’re very likely to get things done.

Whenever we procrastinate, we always assume that there’ll be a tomorrow, and that it’ll all work out fine. But, it doesn’t always work out that way. If you keep delaying action, eventually you’ll reach a point of no return and it’ll be too late.

So, the first step towards breaking out of inertia is to realize the true price of procrastination. Once you’re mindful of that, you can take the right steps.

2. Embrace Boredom

Sometimes the best way to do more is to do less.

You might’ve heard stories about writers locking themselves away in cheap and tacky hotel rooms or in cabins in isolated locations in a bid to focus on their work. The thinking behind this is that if they lock themselves in such places, they are forced to write since there is nothing much else to be done.

This is kind of extreme, and it’s not practical for everybody. Bestselling author Neil Gaiman has his own version of this technique which is much simpler and way more effective.

When he sits down to write, he limits himself to two options: either write, or do nothing. And by that I really mean nothing. Sure, he can think, meditate, or daydream. But, he can’t browse Instagram, play a game, or read a book. He can only do two things: either write, or do nothing.

Now, does this really work? It sure does! It could take you a few minutes, half an hour, or maybe even a full hour, but eventually you’ll get back to work. Let’s be honest, at that point the thought of working seems much more enticing compared to just sitting around and getting bored.

Now, why does this work? The answer is that sometimes through boredom you can calm down your mind, and this makes it the best catalyst for increasing momentum, making choices, and getting back on track.

In today’s world, there are endless sources of mindless content. Stuff that doesn’t really challenge you, but doesn’t bore you either. It just sort of keeps you in a loop with a constant flow of dopamine.

Sometimes it’s just good to get off that dopamine feed for a while and let your mind wander, and boredom can help you do that. Eventually, you’ll find your way towards what you’re supposed to be doing.

This doesn’t only have to apply to work, though. It can applied to any difficult task that you struggle with. Just sit down with the intention of working on it, but give yourself the permission to do nothing as well. It’s enough freedom to get you thinking more about what you’re doing, but also strict enough to not let you wander away aimlessly.

3. Just start already!

Once you feel completely recharged after taking a break, it’s better to just go for it.

Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need the whole plan mapped out to begin. All you need is: an understanding of where you are right now, where you want to go, and what’s the first step you can take to get there. That’s all.

Everyone from Elon Musk to Stephen King to Kai Greene follow this principle.

Elon Musk: “If other people are putting in 40-hour workweeks and you’re putting in 100-hour work weeks, then even if you’re doing the same thing, you know that you will achieve in four months what it takes them a year to achieve.”

Stephen King: “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”

Kai Greene: “Is it 10g of protein more or 10g of protein less? Who cares, just get started!”

Start with one habit, and then that one will flow over to all parts of your life and start a chain reaction. Just ask yourself, right now, “how can I begin?” Even if you don’t get the best idea, at least it can act as a starting point. And then eventually you can improve upon that.

On the flip side, if you don’t even have a starting point, you’ll get absolutely nowhere. Right now, ask yourself this question and just do what comes to mind. Even if it’s not the best or most effective idea, eventually you’ll find your way and break out of inertia.

So, begin now.

Turn Inertia into Momentum

To be honest, I prefer the term “momentum” over inertia.

Inertia focuses on resistance. Momentum focuses on change.

It’s like how people develop any good habit. Even though the Whybehind it may be long gone, the habit itself is still there, all because of positive momentum.

Now, if you want to learn more about habits and the psychology behind them, be sure to grab a copy of my book Plus Habits! Not only does it have 25 powerful habits for all parts of your life, but it also includes ten powerful steps you can take to adopt each habit successfully into your everyday life.