Newton's first law of motion states that an object remains at rest or continues to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by a force.

This is the law of inertia.

While inertia is a physical law, it applies to our minds as well. (1/6)

For our minds, think of inertia as our resistance to change. We experience discomfort when confronted with information that invalidates our beliefs. We can be skeptical and slow to change our minds even with compelling evidence. That's inertia. (2/6)

Most of us experience inertia when it's time to start work. We sit down at our laptop, but instead of working on our eBook, we give in to distraction. Or we stare at a blank screen, not knowing what to write.

It takes energy to change our state from not working to working. (3/6)

The good news is that inertia works on a body in motion as well. So, once we start working, it's easier to keep working.

And it takes less energy to keep moving than it takes to start. So, once you're going, don't let any distractions stop you. (4/6)

When you stop, you end up having to find the energy to get moving again.

How do you overcome inertia? The answer is to reduce the energy needed to start working. (5/6)

Ernest Hemingway ended his writing sessions when he knew what happens next. That way, when he started writing the next day, he could dive right in.

Try a similar tactic if you're having trouble overcoming inertia. (6/6)