The Physics of Change: Overcoming Inertia
by Hava Kohl-Riggs, LCSW
This article was published on the webpage of the Greater Madison Area Chapter of the International Coach Federation in 2003
Are you feeling stuck or stagnant? Is there a project you dream of tackling, but have been unable to get started? Or, perhaps you feel a need for change but have no clear vision or goal? Sounds like you're in the grip of inertia!
What is inertia? Inertia is an internal resistance to change. The father of modern physics, Issac Newton, explained that all matter in the universe (and that includes you and me!) has a tendency to stay still if still, or, if moving, to go on moving in the same direction.
The good news is that, with very little energy, you can initiate a movement. Even a small movement will begin to build the momentum you need to start rolling in a new direction. And once you harness the power of momentum, it just keeps getting easier!
The hardest part is beginning, right? As Confucius said, "The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step..."
Tips for taking your first step:
it makes no difference what that step is
you don't need to know exactly where you're going
it doesn't even matter if it takes you in the right direction
The mere fact of taking a first step breaks inertia, gets the energy moving, and starts building your momentum.
What kind of first step should you take?
a very small step
the easiest step you can think of
whatever you decide to do, do only half of it and call that your first step
Remember, that very first step requires more energy than anything else that follows, due to the internal resistance of inertia! By choosing something easy, simple, and small, you won't avoid it, you'll do it. You'll succeed and be rewarded by the sense of accomplishment and then feel ready to take the next step. And remember, even if it takes you in the "wrong" direction, don't worry, you won't have lost much because the step was small--and you will have gained greatly by breaking inertia!
Possible first steps:
set your intention
gather information
ask for help
Setting your intention is a good first step--and needs to be followed by an action that includes your body, even if it's simply writing it or speaking it aloud, especially when heard by another person. There are all kinds of ways to gather information--everything from researching on the web, to reading an article, to talking with an acquaintance familiar with your interest.
Help, too, comes in many forms. Friends, colleagues, family, and professionals are potential resources. For many of my clients, calling a life coach was their first step. If you are ready to overcome inertia and get unstuck, Personal & Professional Life Coaching could help you gather up the momentum for your momentous changes!
