1. 1Some of the best advice I ever got came from a friend studying to be a psychologist. 2We were discussing things that were difficult for us, like losing weight, finishing school, and doing laundry. 3Her advice to me was simple. 4She said that instead of waiting until you feel like doing something, get to work and take action first; the feelings will come later. 5I have found this advice to be helpful many times.
2. Last summer, for example, our house flooded, and the water deposited five inches of mud in every room. We had to rip up carpet, rip out drywall, throw away countless items, and clean the entire mess. It was a task I dreaded. But I knew I couldn't wait until I felt like doing it, so I just rolled up my sleeves and got started. After about an hour, I was really into it. I was ripping carpet like an old pro. I actually started to have fun.
3. In another instance, I had finished all the research for my term paper in English. It had taken weeks of work. Now all I had to do was write the paper. But I didn't feel like writing twenty pages. I didn't feel like doing anything except going to the beach and escaping. However, I remembered my friend's advice, and I began writing. I promised myself I'd do just two hours a day. After a week, I got involved in the topic and looked forward to those two hours. Soon they grew to three and then four hours. Once again, the feelings came after I took action.
4. Every time I use this technique, it works. Now, when my children complain about dreading some task, I encourage them to take action and let the feelings come later. Usually, it works perfectly. The sportswear company Nike knows this technique, too. Its slogan, "Just do it," is a great way to think about exercising.
5. So the next time you are dreading a task, I challenge you to try this technique: Take action, and the feelings will follow. Use all the energy that you put into negative thinking into action. Roll up your sleeves, and just do it!
The introduction to this essay is
A.
funnel-shaped.
B.
diamond-shaped.
C.
circuitous.
D.
boring.