“The hardest thing about exercise is to start doing it.” —Erin Gray

The Hard Part

I’ve started working out with a trainer twice a week, and I’ve discovered that the hardest part of the workout is getting out of bed. I have never, ever arrived at the gym and decided not to work out. I never just skip the workout and head straight to the steam room. Once I’m there, it’s easy to get started, and once I’ve started, it’s easy to keep going. And once it’s over? I feel great.

The Metaphor Arrives

For me, this workout experience is the same as the writing experience—the hard part is sitting down at my computer and starting. Once I’ve done that, it’s easy to keep going. And I never regret the time I spend writing. The funny thing about this is that I love writing, but I still resist it. I’m not sure why this is, but it’s consistent. Maybe it’s because I know I should be doing it, and I don’t like having to do anything.

Rituals

It’s much easier for me to convince myself that it’s time to write if I have a cup of coffee when I get started.

If you’re someone who struggles with starting, it can help to tie your task to something you already do or like to do. For example, it’s much easier for me to convince myself that it’s time to write if I have a cup of coffee when I get started. When I imagine myself drinking coffee and working, and it seems much more appealing. I also sometimes take a quick walk before settling down to the keyboard. And I try to remind myself that I never regret the time I spend writing. Even a few minutes is better than skipping it.