Space Mountain Turns 50: How Disney’s Iconic (and My Favorite) Ride Teaches Us to Overcome Procrastination

This blog builds on last week’s piece, Tomorrowland Is Not Your Friend, where we explored Walt Disney’s decision to embrace imperfection and move forward with Tomorrowland in January 1955. Like Walt’s resolve to “open the whole park,” Space Mountain reminds us that progress begins when we act—not when we wait for the perfect moment.

?Today, January 15th, marks the 50th anniversary of Space Mountain’s opening at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Located in Tomorrowland, Space Mountain became a cornerstone of the futuristic land, offering guests a thrilling glimpse into the cosmos. Interestingly, Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland received a major overhaul in 1975, just as Disneyland’s Tomorrowland had undergone a transformation in 1959—four years after its opening. Since its debut on January 15, 1975, this iconic indoor roller coaster has thrilled millions with its high-speed journey through the cosmos. But beyond the adrenaline and the stars, Space Mountain holds a valuable lesson on how to beat procrastination—a lesson rooted in physics and the law of inertia.

?The Law of Inertia: What Keeps Space Mountain Moving

?Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion, also known as the law of inertia, states: “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion, unless acted upon by an external force.” Space Mountain uses this principle to create its thrilling ride experience. Here’s how:

1. Starting the Journey: At the beginning, the coaster is stationary. It takes the external force of the lift hill to overcome inertia and set the train in motion.
2. Momentum in Action: Once moving, inertia helps the coaster stay in motion as it zooms through dips, twists, and turns. Even in the darkness of space, the coaster doesn’t stop until brakes—another external force—are applied.
3. Rider Experience: Your body’s natural inertia makes the ride feel even more thrilling. As the coaster suddenly turns or drops, your body wants to keep moving in its original direction, amplifying the sensation of speed and excitement.

Applying the Law of Inertia to Life and Procrastination

While inertia makes Space Mountain exciting, it also plays a role in our daily lives. Think about your own behavior: When you’re stuck in a rut or procrastinating, you’re like the stationary coaster at the start of the ride. Without an external force to push you into action, you’ll stay where you are.

But once you overcome that initial resistance and start moving, momentum takes over, and it becomes much easier to keep going. Here’s how we can use the lessons of inertia to combat procrastination:

1. Break the Resting State: Just as Space Mountain needs a lift hill to start the ride, you need a small external force to break your inertia. This could be as simple as setting a timer for five minutes, creating a checklist, or asking a friend to hold you accountable.
2. Build Momentum: Once you start, keep the motion going. Focus on small, manageable tasks that build toward your larger goal. Like the coaster gaining speed, each completed task fuels your progress.
3. Anticipate Forces That Slow You Down: Just as brakes eventually stop the ride, distractions and doubts can halt your progress. Identify these obstacles in advance and plan ways to counteract them, like setting boundaries or eliminating temptations.

Celebrating Space Mountain’s Legacy

For five decades, Space Mountain has shown us the power of motion. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to combine storytelling, technology, and imagination to create unforgettable experiences. The ride’s longevity is a reminder that innovation and persistence can achieve extraordinary results—lessons that apply to our own journeys as well.

As we celebrate this milestone, let’s take a cue from Space Mountain. Break free from procrastination’s gravitational pull, build momentum, and ride the thrilling wave of progress toward your goals. After all, the stars are waiting—you just need to take that first step.

?If you find yourself stuck at the station and need a little help overcoming inertia or building momentum, I’d love to help you get moving. Whether you need guidance, encouragement, or just someone to act as your lift hill, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to make your goals a reality and keep your journey moving forward!

?Happy 50th Anniversary, Space Mountain! Here’s to another 50 years of inspiring us to reach for the stars.