How to Deal With Inertia

Inertia refers to the property of matter which states that matter at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force. It also refers to a state of matter continuing to move unless acted upon by a force. Inertia can also be defined as a psychological state in which a person doesn't progress in life and seems to be stuck in a holding pattern. Avoiding psychological inertia can keep you out of ruts; however, you must act as your own external force.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil

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Instructions

• 1

  Write down a list of things you want to achieve. Include simple goals such as "visit New York City" to more wild dreams such as "finish my novel." Think of as many goals as you can, even if they seem unobtainable.

• 2

  Compile a second list of reasons you can't achieve these goals. Include personal reasons, such as depression or financial problems. Include outside problems, such as political difficulties in a country you want to visit.

• 3

  Take account of your personal situation and consider the things you can change on your second list. Don't worry about the things you've listed that are outside of your control. Simply use them as a reminder that some aspects of life can be out of your control.

• 4

  Compile a list of personal goals that you will attempt to achieve daily. Create these goals as a way to achieve the goal that will get you out of your rut and break your inertia. For example, you could begin working out every day to get in better shape for the swimsuit you want to wear on your trip to Florida.

• 5

  Create a reward system for achieving one of your goals. For example, if you diet and exercise for a month and lose 10 pounds, feel free to treat yourself to a banquet of unhealthy foods for a night. Use the reward system to break the strain of your inertia.

• 6

  Try to immerse yourself in other people's more serious problems as a way of gaining perspective. For example, volunteer at a homeless shelter. Use this as a way of feeling more positive about your situation and as a way to help others in need.

• 7

  Schedule your daily activities but avoid repeating the same activities every day. For example, if you do yoga one day, jog the next. Check out new bars or restaurants to bring new spice to your inertia-riddled life. Keep your body and mind active after you've gotten out of your rut to avoid falling back.