Have you ever noticed that getting started is the hard part?

In physics they talk about overcoming inertia. What’s that mean? Well, let’s look at the example of launching a rocket. The actual biggest push is needed to get the rocket physically off the launch pad and into the sky. This is due to the pull of gravity – the energy that keeps us on the planet and pulled Newton’s apple to the ground.

In addition to this gravity that pulls falling apples to the ground, there are also other energy pulls such as surface tension. You’ve seen surface tension when you just barely overfill a container and the liquid rounds up and holds in place without spilling over. Sometimes when I am watering my plants, I pour on a bit too much water and I hold my breath hoping the drip tray underneath the plant dish will be able to hold the water from spilling over. Sometimes yes it rounds up around the edges, sometimes no it spills over when much too much water.

Now back to the rocket. Huge amounts of fuel are consumed to overcome gravity and get the stationary rocket into motion. Just like riding a bike, or traveling by car or train, at first when power is applied, there is no movement, then slowly things begin to move and eventually the action is speeding along with less extra fuel/effort/energy needed to maintain the motion. You’ve broken through the hurdle of inertia.

Doing project work happens much the same way. This time though, instead of rocket fuel, what you need is to overcome the inertia of stuckness to get the next phase happening.

Between you and me, I’m great at and love working with clients to clarify their vision, create the implementation plan, and get the right supplies and tools. Once there, some of the excitement evaporates. This is when extra fuel – motivation – is needed to over come gravity and surface tension. In this case, surface tension can show up as “What will people think?”. Gravity can show up as fear and risk (which may or may not be related to each other). Your “gravity” and “surface tension” may be different. For example, you may be wondering if you’ll have the supportive and knowledgeable team you need to provide energy to your project.

Once the project is off the launch pad and into motion/flight, the implementation phase is easy for me to complete with its challenges of success, partial success and failure. I’ve learned that all three provide valuable learnings for adjustments to greater than anticipated designs, results and success.

How and/or where do I find the fuel to overcome my gravity and surface tension stuckness? Being aware of my Big Why is key – both for me personally as well as for the project. Connecting into the actual Big Why of what will become available is what reminds, inspires, and motivates into action overcoming inertia. For me it isn’t just about the money nor even the one specific result, rather it is about the positive differences that learning can make for individuals and our world.

Before you get upset about the fact that money can be an actual issue, especially when there doesn’t seem to be enough to pay for the project, the right tools, or even food and a roof over your head, let me assure you that I do understand and have shared those same concerns. What I know from the other side is that you need to get started right where you are in this moment. Even when it seems like nothing is visible, doing the necessary work and actions will build up momentum and over time you will see signs of progress. With continuing energy input aka Work, you will reach lift off. Along the way you will make adjustments and perhaps use some duct tape. That’s okay. Workarounds have been known to create better and new creations.

Right now it is time for me to Get Started – put on my sneakers and open the front door so I can go out to get some exercise in nature. [Overcoming surface tension: opening the front door. Overcoming gravity: starting exercise. Fuel: being in nature. Big why – health and inspiration.]

What will you do to Get Started?

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