Stay in Motion

Welcome back to Mind by Fire — Every day we're faced with that decision. We can do the thing we know needs to be done, or we can put it off until tomorrow.

The problem is that tomorrow usually brings something else.

Before long, the list starts to grow.

I've caught myself looking at the same item on my to-do list for three or four days. Then I finally do it and realize it took five minutes.

When everything starts to feel like too much, the brain tends to look for an easier way out. That's when putting things off starts to feel oddly tempting, even if it only makes the list feel heavier.

This is when I remind myself to stay the course and get it done.

I'd rather be on the other side of completing the task than on the side of avoiding it.

The comfort of standing still is only temporary. The things we put off have a way of growing until they feel much bigger than they really are.

Staying in motion with a walk gives me the clarity to get started. Physical movement often creates mental movement.

It increases blood flow to the brain and supports the areas responsible for attention, planning, and decision-making. That may be why a walk doesn't change my to-do list, but it often changes my willingness to tackle it.

You may realize you're rarely avoiding the task itself. You're avoiding the feeling that comes with starting it.

Stay in motion.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.