Kickstarting: Mood Follows Commitment

Today while working on my painting I realized that I'm never in the mood to paint until I start painting. The proper mood will follow my commitment. Whether it is painting or swimming or any number of things, I have to commit first. I commit to an achievable goal, like "ten minutes", which gives me permission to escape if I have to. Commitment is first, then I can follow through. I have to trick myself into starting.

The scariest moment is always just before you start.
—Stephen King