How to Get Unstuck

     When it comes to physical exercise, I am a streaky individual.
     When I am on a roll, I am on a roll, and operate by that law of physics: "Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion."
     When I am stuck, I am stuck, and the converse is true: "Bodies at rest tend to stay at rest."
     I have discovered a helpful strategy, though, of getting un-stuck. For the past three months, I have worn work-out clothing to the fitness center where my son has swimming practice. While I sit and wait for his practice to end, I typically I work on my laptop, read the newspaper, or doodle on my iPhone. The thinking was that if I at least look the part of somebody who works out, eventually I will put down my laptop and iPhone, stop watching people exercise, and actually take advantage of this rare opportunity in my daily schedule.
     Last night, it finally worked. I finally said to myself, "Mark, it's time to do something!" and I went outside and ran about two miles. I don't know where this will all lead, but I broke free from the mud for one night!
     Start small. Start slow. Do whatever it takes to get unstuck. This is the lesson I was reminded of last night.  I will continue to dress the part this week and hope my momentum can continue.
     The same principle applies in other areas of our lives, it seems. If we struggle to read the Bible, maybe we start by simply putting it on the nightstand next to our bed for the first week. Maybe in the second week we open it and simply look at the open book from afar. And maybe, just maybe, by week 3 we actually pick it up and begin to read.
     Or how about starting a new hobby like gardening. Once we start to poke around in the dirt with the hand-shovel, something may trigger inside of us -- a creative burst of energy. And the next thing you know, we can't put that shovel down!
     Getting started with something new is the hardest thing, but each day is a new chance, a new opportunity. As Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "His mercies, they are new every morning."
     Maybe I am placing the bar too low. Maybe we don't need to start so slowly with new endeavors that are healthy for us. But the way I see it, start where you are and not where you think you should be. If you are stuck, it may take a wiggle and a jerk, rather than spinning your wheels, if it gets you out of the mud.
     What about you? How do you start something new? What are the best ways to get unstuck and back on the road toward healthier living?