(Resend) Know your inertia to overcome it - my own example

Hi there!

One of the first lessons I learned about facilitating change is the concept of inertia. It's fascinating how this law of physics extends to the human behavior as well!

Is reading more also your New Year's resolution?

A friend shared that the hardest part is picking up the book and reading the first few lines. She described this initial resistance as “inertia”.

What else should we know about it? Let’s break it down together!

Understanding Inertia

Inertia in our lives manifests as the tendency to remain in our current state. Whether is it staying in the same unhealthy routines, unsatisfying jobs, or challenges.

When faced with something that requires change, our natural tendency is to delay and stick to the same. This is particularly true when the benefits of action are not immediately visible. It makes it harder to overcome.

While the law of physics is a good excuse to hide behind, a more helpful lens would be to understand what to do differently.

The higher the mass, the greater the inertia. So, if your habit has been built over years, don’t expect to change trajectory overnight.

How to overcome it - using my personal example of doom scrolling

Identify routines that could get glued

For me, I’ve identified doom scrolling to happen when I am on the boring one hour train rides to/from office. It also extends into the first few hours reaching home from work.

Create a force of change, but keep it simple

While I have always thought of doomscrolling as relaxation, it has made me feel empty on the inside. I would get headaches and nausea from being on the phone. I actually much prefer a more enriching way to spend my time.

Integrate the new normal - The more often you do something the more you will tend to continue doing it.

I’ve identified interesting podcasts that can take me through the one hour train rides. I’ve also intend to record a audio reflection of how my day went when I reach home. This can inform how I intentionally spend the rest of the night.

Where are you seeing inertia in your life? What is the force that can change your speed or direction?

Stay Courageous,

Joping

Have you been putting off something and then hate the feeling of procrastination? I can help you:

👉 Clarify and strengthen your intentions

👉 Unpack what’s holding you back

👉 Stay accountable and supported on your action plan

Hit reply to chat more!

Joping is a Certified Self-Leadership Coach and a solopreneur in the making. I write about everything in between intention and action, and believe courage makes the biggest difference.