Dear Diary,
Inertia, whether physical, psychological, or both, can keep us stuck firmly in place. It’s a scientific law. But since many of us already prefer the status quo, we don’t need much help from physics. What we DO need is the ability to recognize when just a tiny bit of new energy will move us forward.
As the years go by, I seem to be having a harder time doing the things I say I want to do. It doesn’t matter if it’s taking care of a list of household chores, starting on a project for work, or shopping for my family, I just can’t seem to get moving. Staying in whatever physical state I happen to be in to do something else feels impossible.
I wanted this to change, so I attempted to figure out what was going on. What I learned was that my problem (a state of inertia) was not uncommon, and that it was based in science.
FROM PHYSICS TO PSYCHOLOGY
Inertia, at its core, is a concept from physics, famously defined by Newton’s First Law of Motion: “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an external force.” In the physical world, inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes to its state of motion. That object resisting getting things done would be me.
I discovered, however, that inertia isn’t limited to physics; it can also describe a psychological state where a person resists change, remaining in the same emotional or mental pattern. Just as physical objects need an external force to break free from rest, we often need a psychological “nudge” to overcome mental inertia.
THE PHYSICS OF INERTIA
Newton’s law explains that a physical object will not change its state—whether it’s standing still or moving—without something pushing or pulling it. This concept is powerful because it reminds us that inertia is a natural state; staying still or stuck isn’t unusual. It’s only through an external force, a new energy source, or an influence from outside that things begin to change.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF INERTIA: AN INVISIBLE FORCE
Psychological inertia works in much the same way. It’s the feeling of being “stuck” in a certain mindset, habit, or routine. Example: If I keep watching YouTube videos every morning, I’m not likely to want to do anything else, big or small.
Just like in physics, overcoming psychological inertia often requires an “external force.” But in this case, the force can be one’s own mental awareness. Being aware of the thoughts you are thinking is the first step to change.
WHERE PHYSICS MEETS PSYCHOLOGY: MOVING BEYOND THE REST STATE
This is where both the physical and mental aspects of inertia meet. As we age, the physical world can seem heavier: it’s harder to get moving, both in the body and in the mind. Sometimes, it feels like our mental energy is mirrored by the physical inertia we experience in our daily lives. But just as a small push can set a physical object in motion, small new thoughts followed by actions can help us break free from psychological inertia.
HOW TO OVERCOME INERTIA – BREAKING BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL BARRIERS (bold)
- Acknowledge the resistance. Think of breaking free from inertia like getting a heavy ball rolling. Start with a simple action—something like standing up from your chair or writing down one goal for the day. Small pushes, whether physical or mental, add up and build momentum.
- Harness the power of motion. Once you’re in motion, whether mentally or physically, it’s easier to stay in motion. The more we engage in small tasks and stay in tune with what we’re thinking, the easier the process becomes. Remember, momentum is key in both the physical and psychological sense.
- Create external forces of motivation. Surround yourself with people or environments that encourage movement. If Newton’s law tells us that objects need an external force to move, then think of your friends, routines, and positive thoughts as forces that help you stay mentally and physically active.
- Acknowledge the resistance. Inertia, whether physical or psychological, is a natural phenomenon. We all get stuck from time to time and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.
Once we can recognize when inertia is at play, we can take back control by generating an intentional intervention. Just one tiny bit of new energy changes our state and can put us on the road to a bigger and better life.
Let’s break free, my friends.
~Lisa
