Challenges of Getting Started, Cookies, & the World Needs More Halloween Shows

One of the hardest things in any new undertaking is getting started. It's just a fact of life. It's true—just look at physics.

Newton's First Law (Inertia, yo.): An object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by an external force.

This means you must apply a force to overcome the object's resistance to changing its state (from rest to motion). Once in motion, inertia keeps it moving.

Okay, so I'm paraphrasing and simplifying a bit, but the idea still stands. This same law seems to apply to all manner of things, like new projects (or even stale ones), exercise, hobbies, or even baking cookies. I've noticed it happens with every newsletter I write as well. Writers might describe it as the problem of a blank page, but it really is a problem of inertia. It's much easier to continue writing than it is to start writing (friction and other forces aside).

So, whether it's writing, a new or stale project, exercise, hobbies, or even baking cookies, I've got a great trick to apply enough force to your resting state to get into motion.

Do.

I know. It looks absurd.

But try it. Do something. Anything at all related to your end goal.

Doing literally anything will kickstart your motion so you can start working with momentum instead of having to stare down the seemingly insurmountable task of getting started.

But wait! I have examples!

Want to write a book? Write one sentence describing what your book is about. In fact, give yourself permission—NAY!—task yourself with making it a bad sentence.

Stale project? Crack it open (whatever it is) and take five minutes (only five!) to review where you are on it, then dedicate five to make a little progress. You might be surprised how much you can get done in five minutes.

Exercise? Right now—as you're reading this—do ten squats. Squats aren't for you? Do ten of something else. Suddenly...you're exercising. WHAT?!

Want to start a new hobby, like...competitive mooing? Dream of competing in the Moo-la-palooza? Belt out your best mOooOOoOOOOO right now.

Do.

It really works.

Oh, and we can't forget about cookie bakers. Want to start baking cookies? Sure, you could get started by dropping everything and heading into the kitchen to bake cookies. But, if you've been trying to motivate yourself to do that and it hasn't worked, then start smaller. Grab a pencil and sketch a cookie you want to bake. It doesn't have to be complex; even a simple gingerbread cookie will do because it's a matter of inertia of the mind.

Want some cookie inspiration?

Tae and I have been watching it, and there are some great designs on it. It got me thinking about how the world needs more Halloween-themed shows. There are already horror movies and TV series (make more, please), but there aren't enough Halloween-themed productions.

Personally, I'd like year-round spooky. Everywhere. All the time. It just makes things better.

See?

Told ya.

What's New?

• Slow and steady progress on a few projects!
• A brand new Phonographic Visions is up at Track 3 - Luminous Echoes: Delving Into the Chromatic Cavern.
• Upcoming Into Horror History: Terrifying tales swept the Canadian radiowaves in the 1980s.