Inertia Decision Test

A framework for evaluating if you're doing something because you want to or just because of inertia (momentum).

The Inertia Test

• Ask yourself: "If this ended tomorrow, would I start it again from scratch?"
• If the answer is no, you're likely continuing due to inertia rather than genuine desire
• 90% of what people do is driven by inertia rather than active choice

Two Key Questions to Ask

1. Project Test
   • If this ended tomorrow, would you restart the same project?
   • Tests if the opportunity is still compelling given what you know now
2. People Test
   • If you had to start over, would you work with the same people again?
   • Helps evaluate if you have the right team regardless of the project

How to Combat Inertia

1. Burn Bridges Strategy

   • Deliberately create forcing factors
   • Examples:
     • Quit your job
     • Move to a new city
     • Make drastic changes that force action
   • Creates "back against the wall" situations

2. Start Small Approach

   • Begin with tiny, manageable steps
   • Focus on $1 before thinking about $1 million
   • Helps break existing patterns

Important Considerations

• The real risk in life is mediocrity, not failure
• Most fears are overblown - "there's usually no lion in the room"
• Taking drastic action requires courage but often has less real risk than perceived
• Better to actively choose your path than operate on autopilot
• Inertia should be "in the trunk, not the driver's seat"