Can Newton help us get out of a rut?

Can the most fundamental physical laws be used to provide a framework to help us motivate ourselves and break out of a rut? I believe they can.

Newton’s first/second law:

• The rate of change of the momentum of a particle is proportional to the resultant force applied to the particle

Let’s dissect this. It implies that in order to change the speed or direction of an object, a resultant force is required. When we fall into a rut, we are following a destructive and unproductive path and if we don’t provide a force to change the path we are following, we will continue to follow that exact path.

The force you use is up to you. I usually resort to some form of exercise (running or walking) followed by a cold shower. This wakes me up and provides a ‘force’ to change my path back to doing what I need to be doing thus helping me get out of the rut. You could try reading, sleeping, getting fresh air or even grabbing a snack but don’t limit yourself to one ‘force’ as the effect may wear off over time.

Newton’s third law is where things get tricky:

• Every action results in an equal and opposite reaction

This means that anything we might attempt in order to get of a rut will result in pushback because we are trying to break out of the state of the rut. This is the motivation barrier and provides resistance to changing your path. This problem can be attacked by analysing the law slightly further.

When an action/force is applied, the opposite and equal force is of the same type. The friction/resistance force we face therefore needs to be overcome by applying a different type of force. This is similar to ‘going around the wall rather than through it’. This will become a problem if you rely on only one habit to get you out of a rut. Variety is key here. Circulate different habits and when the force of resistance becomes a problem, simply react with a different type of force.

Keep Forcing On!