Friction describes the resistance between two objects when trying to move one across another. Push a coaster across a bar, and you’ll encounter some friction.
In physics, there are two numbers used to describe the amount of resistance an object encounters when being moved.
They are both called “coefficients of friction,” but there is a distinction between the coefficient of static friction, and the coefficient of kinetic friction.
The coefficient of static friction indicates how much force is required to move an object that starts standing still.
The coefficient of kinetic friction indicates how much force is required to move an object that is already moving.
What’s interesting is that the coefficient of static friction is almost always higher than that of the kinetic coefficient.
In other words, it’s harder to start moving something than it is to keep it going once it’s already on the move.
Habits are like that too. It’s often harder to get started than it is to maintain.
It’s harder to get in shape than it is to maintain an exercise habit when you’re already fit.
It’s harder to start writing when you haven’t written an essay in years, than it is when you’ve written 30 days in a row.
The next time you’re starting a project, do what you need to do to get it moving.
