You’re faced with a problem and you don’t know what to do. You analyze the problem. In fact, you overanalyze the problem to the degree that no action is ever taken. Sound familiar? If this frequently occurs when you are attempting to make a decision, you’ve been the victim of paralysis by analysis.
The best way to overcome procrastination is to become aware of a simple principle in physics known as the “Law of Inertia,” which states that it takes more energy to put an object in motion than it does to keep it in motion. Practically speaking, this means that it’s more difficult to begin doing something than it is to keep doing something once you’ve begun.
My father had a more concise way of describing this law during my teenage years when I vacillated over a decision. He would bark, “You can’t steer a parked car! Just don’t stand there! Do something!”
Although I didn’t enjoy hearing my father bellow these pronouncements when I was a child, I eventually came to realize that my father may have been correct. Imagine that!
When you are facing a problem that appears to be insurmountable, any movement forward is better than no movement at all. The reason a journey of a thousand miles must begin with one step, is because the energy that it takes to make the first step will enable you to take the second and third step in your journey toward success.
So, take a problem¾any problem. Quit overanalyzing the situation and take a step, no matter how small. As your momentum carries you forward, you will discover that each successive step takes less energy than your initial step, while providing the energy you need to sustain your forward momentum and arrive successfully at your destination.
So, like my father used to say, “Don’t just stand there! Do something!”
