We have all had the experience of, say, committing to a party and simply not feeling like going. We would rather remain inert and watch TV while our butts expand. Then, because we’re committed, we reluctantly go. Lo and behold, we have a much better time at the party—or movie, or horse race—than we would have being a couch potato at home. It takes effort to have fun, and it is effortless to be inert.

Newton’s first law doesn’t seem to apply to kids, but it tends to apply more as we get older. I see many patients who complain of depression, but when we go over what is happening in their lives, they are bored. For them, inertia has become a way of life because it is easier to live every day like every other day than to use energy to overcome the inertia of a boring routine.

Inertia extends to goals too. Think of something that you’ve been wanting to do. For example, is there someone you’ve been wanting to contact? What prevents you? Call him or her! Two years ago, I contacted a fellow graduate student I long lost contact with and we’re now closer than ever. Have you put off fixing the leaky faucet and are paying high water bills? Do you have a hobby that has intrigued you? Some 30 years ago, I came home one day to find a harp in the house. My wife explained that she always wanted to play the harp, so she rented one and got a teacher. She now plays the harp professionally at weddings and bar mitzvahs. Her playing is a source of pleasure for her and for others. Would you enjoy a family picnic? Be aware that in order to enjoy a picnic, you have to pack the picnic basket!

I see people who are miserable at their jobs. Yet, the inertia required to change inhibits them from looking elsewhere. Clearly, we have primary responsibilities to put bread on the table that can keep us from taking risks. However, many people are more trapped by inertia than those looking for better work opportunities. Inertia can even be fatal. Dead fatal! One patient had to work through her anger toward her husband who ignored clear symptoms of a heart attack. He kept putting off going to the doctor despite her pleading. Finally, he had a fatal coronary. Whether his inertia was caused by fear or denial, it led to disaster.

Inertia is a major barrier to enjoying life. It is comfortable to stay at home and watch TV—we don’t have to move and we don’t even have to think—so we don’t go out and do other things. But we’ll wonder why our lives feel predictable. Long ago, I decided that when every day becomes like every other day, I would save the world oxygen and pull the plug.

It takes more energy to overcome inertia than to keep moving, so I make it a point to keep my butt in gear. Life is a hell of lot more interesting that way.