When fall rolls around, I usually find myself shifting gears and digging in to accomplish all those goals Ive been thinking about during the summer. However, this year instead of taking off like a rocket, its been more like having the launch cancelled repeatedly. Maybe its that this fall seems more like summer or maybe its the chronic sinus infection that just wont quit thats made the difference. All I know is that for the past few weeks Ive been well stuck in the mud and spinning my wheels.

As Ive talked with clients and colleagues lately, I find Im not alone. In fact, the problem seems to be quite common, especially among creative people who are constantly challenging themselves to invent, write, design, build, draw or produce something new on a very consistent basis.

At first, I thought procrastination was the culprit. I think all of us succumb to this temptation more often than we would like. I dont know about you, but give me a warm, sunny day and I will gladly put off posting those invoices or doing more writing of my book. Put anything in front of me that makes it easier not to work on a project or goal no matter how important -- than it does to actually get it done, and Im just as inclined as the next person to give in to temptation. Yet, Im more of a sporadic than a habitual procrastinator. And, besides, procrastinators are usually in action doing something, even if its not the most important thing.

At any rate, it took a conversation with a trusted colleague to finally realize that what I was experiencing was inertia, or the inability to get off dead center. Or, to put it another way, I seemed to be boxed in and unable to move.

So, what brings on a bout of inertia and how do you get beyond it?

While depression, if not treated, can be a cause, more often than not inertia sets in when outside pressures accumulate and bear down. So, if you find yourself spinning your wheels, look to any external force(s) in your life that may feel overwhelming and/or out-of-control. Once you can see them clearly, you will be able to find ways to release the pressure valve and get back in action.

It worked for me. It can work for you, too.