Recently I lapsed into what I would best describe as a bottomless death spiral. I was unmotivated, not interested, and completely lifeless. Basically just going through the motions doing what little it took to get through the day. 

I’m not sure if that’s what depression is like, but it felt like hell to me. I’m not sure the cause, possibly a new treatment I started for my sleep disorder, but as the days went by I became more frustrated and more detached. 

Quite by accident I snapped myself out of my death spiral with the most novel solution possible, action. Not massive action (ala Tony Robbins), but just action. One afternoon I made several phone calls that I had been putting off, appointments that needed to be made, things that needs to be taken care of, etc.

I set aside time during lunch, made a list and banged out all the calls I needed to make, and I felt great afterward. It was remarkable. 

It was remarkable both because I had cleared my to do list, but also because it was so simple and obvious. I got into the death spiral and stopped doing things, and that kept me in the death spiral. I could dig myself out simply by taking action. 

Again, we’re not talking about massive action, but I committed to taking action every day (beyond getting out of bed and breathing). 

It’s worked, really well., Some days I don’t get things done, but most days I accomplish something, and I feel the momentum building. Little by little I’m getting my mojo back. 

I feel more alive again, I feel like digging into things, and I feel like I can tackle anything I face again. 

It’s funny how we sometimes forget the simple things. The answer to snapping out of my death spiral was right in front of my face. It didn’t take drugs, counselors, or self help books. Just action.Action builds momentum, and the momentum is going to carry me to new places.

It was a difficult lesson, but one I will not forget any time soon.