Webster defines inertia as a “resistance to motion or change.” Sir Isaac Newton describes the principle of inertia in part as “an object at rest tends to stay at rest…”
For two years I worked diligently on completing some post graduate studies. I was reading and/or writing at least five nights a week. When I finished in December 2008, I decided it was time for a break. For the first few weeks, I found myself pacing the floors, looking for something to occupy my time. Gradually, I became more comfortable relaxing in front of the television.
Within six months, I was content with simply propping up my feet while gazing at mindless shows on the TV set. I wasn’t really reading much nor was I writing. I was just vegetating. I was complacent.
But the desire to read and write again began gnawing at me earlier this summer. I have read some and posted occasionally on the blog, but not like I really wanted to. I keep telling myself, “Tomorrow I’ll get started in earnest!” But when tomorrow comes, I’m too tired or there’s something on the tube or I just don’t feel like it. Inertia has taken hold.
I have since forced myself away from the idiot box and back to the keyboard. It’s not easy to break through the complacency, but I already feel better. I believe that it is much like exercising. Getting started is a real pain in the ass. But once I do get underway, I feel better and it becomes easier to get motivated each day.
Complacency, fueled by inertia, can be an addiction…
So bear with me as I fight this addiction. Look for more tweets and blog posts as I muster the energy and enthusiasm to keep moving forward. I’m teaching an on-line class in emergency management this semester at GTCC, so I have now the necessary incentive to resume reading and writing with vigor. I’ll use Twitter and Blue Skies Blog as my creative outlet.
Feel free to send me comments. And let me know how you overcome your addictions.
