Curing Procrastination by Overcoming Inertia
We’ve all been there. A task sits in front of us, growing larger in our minds the longer we avoid it. It’s not the work itself that overwhelms us—it’s the thought of starting. The mountain looks impossible to climb when we’re standing at the base, staring up. But here’s the truth: the hardest part of any task is simply taking that first step. Overcoming inertia is the cure for procrastination.
Keith Ellis once said, “Inertia is the single greatest barrier to success. It’s also the easiest to overcome. All you have to do is act.” That’s it—act. The size of the step doesn’t matter. Write one line, make one call, send one email. Action breaks inertia, and once you’re in motion, you’ll find it much easier to keep going. Einstein, talking about the laws of physics, said, “Nothing happens until something moves.” He may have been speaking of science, but the same applies to life: nothing happens until you move.
When you act, even in the smallest way, something powerful happens. You’ve started. You’ve prevented a pileup of tasks. And most importantly, you’ve built momentum. Momentum is magic. A body in motion tends to stay in motion—and the same is true for you. Suddenly, the impossible mountain doesn’t look so high because you’re already climbing it, step by step.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. When I’m staring down something big—a research grant, a long report, even a book chapter—I never tell myself I have to finish it in one sitting. I tell myself: just write a paragraph. Maybe even a sloppy one. Because tomorrow it’s easier to return, refine, and add more. Momentum grows, and soon the job that once felt impossible is flowing. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, has said his goals are best achieved by adopting daily behaviors that move him in the right direction. That’s the secret—consistent, small actions that keep you moving forward.
But action is more than progress—it’s power. When I speak at events, I sometimes hold up a copy of my book with a $10 bill tucked inside as a bookmark. “Who wants this?” I ask. Dozens of hands shoot up. But everyone stays seated. Then one person finally stands, walks to the front, and takes it. That’s the lesson. Success doesn’t go to those who raise their hand—it goes to those who move. The world rewards action.
Harry Lorayne once said, “Positive thoughts must become positive actions to accomplish anything worthwhile.” Thinking positively is important, but if that’s all you do, nothing changes. Visualization is powerful only when paired with execution. Yes, challenges will come, and yes, you’ll stumble. But every obstacle is also a steppingstone. Every imperfect attempt makes you stronger, sharper, and more prepared for the future. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about movement.
Mario Cuomo, the former governor of New York, shared the advice his Italian mother gave him: “First, figure out what you want to do. Second, do it.” Simple, clear, undeniable wisdom.
So here’s your reminder: procrastination kills dreams, but the cure is always within your reach. Don’t wait for the perfect plan, the perfect mood, or the perfect time. They don’t exist. What exists is right now—and right now, you can take one step. Write one sentence. Make one call. Open the file. Do one thing. Because the moment you move, the moment you act, everything changes.
The future doesn’t belong to dreamers who only talk about what they’ll do someday. It belongs to the doers. Be the one who stands up when everyone else just raises their hand. Be the one who starts the job.
