Action begets momentum

Starting is the hardest part of every journey. We all know it. Whether the journey is a 10 mile run or applying to graduate school, the greatest barriers exist before the starting line.

These are the greatest barriers, but this doesn’t mean they’re the biggest. They’re the greatest because you have no momentum behind you, no wind at your back.

Imagine standing in front of a 6 foot fence and trying to jump over it. You’ll have to pull and grip and hurl yourself over from a standing start.

Now think of that same jump, but approached with a head of steam. You come in at an angle and use your momentum to carry you over the fence, maybe with a little extra effort.

This is called the high jump, and it’s rarely performed from a standstill. Jumpers always get an approach.

I could provide more examples, but you get the point. You have to start. You have to begin moving, even if it’s small steps. The more you move, the more momentum you build and the easier it is to jump over the hurdles.

Action begets momentum. The obstacles down the road don’t matter unless you overcome the one at the start: the start itself. Once you get moving, you’d be surprised at what you can jump over.

Beyond Contemplation

The best moments in my life are beyond contemplation.

Today I decided against running immediately after waking up, as I usually do. I chose to run around 11:00 am instead. After thinking about it all morning, 11 o’clock came and I tried to reason myself out of it, listing all the reasons another rest day would benefit me in the long run. Luckily, I told myself to shut up, laced up my shoes, and crushed a run even though I was feeling lousy. It was my fastest run so far summer.

After I lifted around 1:00 pm, it was time to take a shower. I’ve pushed myself to take more cold showers this summer because of their health benefits. I also feel fantastic every time I step out of one. However, my brain isn’t hardwired to endure momentary suffering for delayed results. My mind always tries to get me too take a comfortable, warm shower instead. Today, I didn’t let it. I turned the faucet right and jumped in. I did not give in.

While showering, I had a few ideas about my soon-to-be post graduate life that never crossed my mind before. These ideas might change the course of my life forever. Or the might not. I never would’ve known had I not moved beyond overthinking and into action.

Don’t spend your life in contemplation. Be a doer. Be somebody who doesn’t hesitate to do what they know they ought to do. Move in the direction of your fears and face them head on. You can always course correct later.