Some days I wake up plain dog-tired. I lack the customary zest and zeal that characterises most mornings, for no apparent cause or reason. If I had my druthers, I’d like nothing better than to roll back over and cosy up to my favourite pillow.

Instead, I drag the ol’ carcass into the kitchen to hunt up some comfort food, to see if I can incite a change of mood. Nothing like a cholesterol-laden plate of eggs buttressed by two slabs of butter-smothered toast to lighten the spirit—and contribute to my general malaise. Now, with a plump, full belly, I can add sluggish to my general state. Talk about a winning combination!

Unfortunately, as for most of us, life doesn’t grant me the luxury of lounging at will. Duty calls, as they say—the job, the kids, the deadline—whatever form that duty takes. I have to find some way of banishing that glorious image of a sloth clinging wistfully to a log into the recesses of my imagination and get a move on.

Yuck!

Over the years, I’ve figured out a magic formula. Trick number one to shifting our brain out of neutral and into gear is actually quite simple:

Just show up.

Find a way to drag your body to your station and man it. Once in place, take one tiny, reluctant step at a time and embark. In the absence of inspiration, nothing beats inertia faster than motion.

Much like the sun melts the daybreak dew, motion has a way of lifting the fog socked around the brain. Mental gears begin to engage, creative sockets begrudgingly open, we start to fire on more than one cylinder. As the fog turns to mist and evaporates, clarity takes hold. "Hey, I do have a purpose, today. Time to move in that direction."

Not every day can be a championship day. More often than not, most of us take solace at even being on the playing field. Beware of berating yourself. Overachievers tend to ignore their humanity and underachievers crack the whip on their backs.

Give yourself a break.

Let yourself be human.

If it feels like a Krispy Kreme morning, have an extra cup of coffee to counteract the sugar. When you pull out of your driveway, play your favourite song and play it really loudly. Sing along.

See if you can’t extract a hint of a smile from that scowl.

When you get into motion the world moves with you.

Funny how some of my best days started out in a thick haze. The transition from "can’t get myself out of bed" to "okay, fine—one more day at the mill" to "wow, I think I’m liking what’s flowing" doesn’t always happen easily or painlessly. Some days it doesn’t happen at all.

I know that I give myself the best possible chance when I take that one fundamental requirement:

I show up.

That’s A View from The Ridge…

Author Ridgely Goldsborough publishes The Daily Column; humorous and inspirational stories designed to touch our hearts. Please take a moment to subscribe at no charge at www.aviewfromtheridge.com.