We’ve all been there: knowing we need to take action yet feeling stuck, as if an invisible force is holding us back. This force is inertia, defined simply as “a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged.”
A Story of Lost Potential
In 2021, I met an entrepreneur at my office, Clarity Hive, in Gurgaon. Over tea, he confided in me about his greatest challenge: having countless brilliant ideas but never taking action on them.
He admitted that some of these ideas, which he had casually shared with friends, were implemented by them and went on to succeed. This left him in a painful loop of jealousy and self-doubt. When I asked how many ideas he had, he confidently replied, “Over 100, all documented.”
Eager to help, I suggested we prioritize and work on implementing a few of his ideas. He agreed, but weeks passed, and nothing moved forward. Tragically, I later learned he had passed away during the second wave of COVID-19.
With him, over 100 potentially transformative ideas were lost forever—a stark reminder of how inertia can rob us of untapped potential.
Recognizing Your Own Inertia
So, what’s your inertia? Often, it’s not laziness or lack of motivation. Instead, our minds are experts at creating justifications for staying in our comfort zones.
I call these the “50 Shades of Inertia”:
- I have never done it before.
- Nobody else has ever done it.
- It has never been tried before.
- I tried it before.
- Another person tried it before.
- I have done this for years.
- It won’t work. No way!
- Why change? It’s working OK.
- My wife/boss/child won’t buy it.
- I will have to look into it.
- Other people are not doing it.
- It’s too much trouble to change.
- I am different from other people.
- My friend says it can’t be done.
- My mom says it can’t be done.
- My spouse will not like it.
- My neighbor says it can’t be done.
- It can’t be done.
- I don’t have the money.
- I don’t have time.
- I don’t have energy.
- My spouse will scream if I tried.
- It’s too visionary.
- You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
- It’s beyond my responsibility.
- I am not organized enough.
- I don’t have the skills or resources.
- It will get into other things I have to do.
- It’s too radical a change.
- I can’t take time off work.
- My friends/colleagues will not buy it.
- It’s not my problem.
- I don’t like it.
- It’s a good idea, but I am not the person to do it.
- I am not ready for it.
- I will have to think about it.
- I need to sleep on it.
- I can’t take the chance.
- I may lose money.
- It takes too long to pay off.
- I am doing all right as it is.
- I am just not sure.
- The world won’t accept it.
- It won’t work in my house.
- It’s impossible.
- Other people can do it better.
- My friend failed.
- I am too lazy and undisciplined.
- I don’t know how to start.
- You are right, but…
Overcoming Inertia
Sound familiar? We’ve all used at least a few of these excuses. They’re comforting stories we tell ourselves to avoid the discomfort of change.
But here’s the truth: recognizing your “shades of inertia” is the first step toward overcoming them.
What’s Holding You Back?
Which of these excuses do you catch yourself using the most? For me, it’s numbers 13, 37, and 50. Identifying these patterns is key to breaking free.
The Power of Action
Breaking free from inertia is not about massive leaps—it’s about small, consistent steps. The first step is often the hardest, but it’s also the most transformative. Once you recognize your inertia, the path forward becomes clearer.
Take some time to reflect on what’s holding you back. What are the stories you tell yourself, and how can you start rewriting them today?
Here’s to breaking free and unlocking your true potential!
Amit Chawla
