The Heavy Laptop Lid: Finding Your Way Back to Momentum
Happy New Year!
A view of the Pyrenees from my airplane
We are officially emerging. Over the last few weeks, I’ve watched our community hit "pause" in beautiful ways. Some of you traveled to see family after years apart, some hosted boisterous dinners, and some simply stayed home, refreshing and recharging in the quiet.
Last week, as I caught up with friends and neighbors, the conversations had a common theme. I heard things like:
"I honestly can’t bring myself to open my laptop."
"I am feeling a real sense of dread about the morning commute."
"I haven't even looked at my inbox yet; it feels like a mountain I’m not ready to climb."
If you are feeling that heavy weight of inertia today, I want you to know: I am right there with you.
The Reality of the "First Morning"
I practiced exactly what I preached at the end of 2025. I went on vacation with my family, I put my electronics away, and I stayed entirely off social media. I lived in the "being" rather than the "doing." It was a much-needed reset for my soul.
But this morning, when I finally sat down at my desk, the laptop lid felt remarkably heavy. As I opened it and saw my task list—the very one I was so excited about just a few days ago—I felt that familiar tug of reluctance.
It is a strange paradox, isn't it? Just a week ago, we were looking at 2026 with such hope. We made resolutions, we felt a sense of clarity, and we promised ourselves this year would be different. But then, normalcy hits. The traffic is back, the emails are piling up, and that visionary hope feels a world away from the "to-do" list.
So, how do we get our momentum back without losing the peace we just found?
Tips to Get Over the Inertia
Getting back into a routine doesn't have to be a shock to the system. Here is how I’m navigating my own "re-entry" today:
1. Reconnect with the "Why" Before the "What"
Before you dive into the first unread email, take five minutes to look at the notes you wrote for your 2026 vision. Remind yourself of the feeling you wanted for this year. The tasks are just the vehicles to get you to that vision. When you connect the "admin work" to your larger goal, the weight of the task begins to lift.
2. Practice the "Soft Entry"
We often feel like we have to hit 100mph the moment we log in. You don’t. Give yourself permission for a "Soft Entry."
The Rule of Three: Don't try to clear the whole inbox today. Pick the three most critical things that need your attention. Everything else can wait until tomorrow.
The 10-Minute Win: Pick one tiny, easy task—something that takes ten minutes—and finish it. That micro-momentum is the best cure for inertia.
3. Reclaim Your Narrative
Remember the "Even Though" technique we’ve talked about? Now is the time to use it.
Instead of: "I have too many emails and I’m overwhelmed."
Try: "Even though my inbox is full, it’s a sign that my work is in demand and I have a community waiting to connect with me."
4. Human Connection as a Bridge
One of the hardest parts of returning is the shift from "connection time" to "solitary work." Don't go cold turkey. Reach out to a colleague or a friend for a quick five-minute catch-up. That human connection bridges the gap between the warmth of the holidays and the productivity of the work week.
Mapping Your Path for 2026
Muralles de Girona, Spain
As we step back into reality, let’s hold onto the optimism we felt on December 31st. That hope wasn't a holiday fantasy; it was a reflection of your true potential. The "First Monday" slump is just a temporary fog—it doesn't change the beautiful landscape you are building for this year.
However, moving from hope to action is often where we get stuck. It’s the difference between having a destination in mind and having a map to get there.
If you’re feeling the weight of your goals or the fog of the routine, this is the perfect time to map out your path with a coach. I have spent my break refreshing my own vision, and now my calendar is fresh and open for 2026. I am ready to help you turn that New Year hope into aligned, sustainable momentum. Let's make sure the "busy" work of January doesn't drown out the "vision" work of your future.
Book Your 2026 Discovery Call Here