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

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! What question does this essay​ answer?

A. Why are our feelings​ unreliable?

B. When was the​ friend's advice​ helpful?

C. What does​ "just do​ it" mean?

D. How can physical activity benefit​ us?