Category Archives: momentum

When we right-size our goals we often overestimate

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When we right-size our goals we often overestimate what we can do in the short term and underestimate what we can do in the long term.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Clay Banks

We often make the mistake of overestimating what we can accomplish in a short burst of time while underestimating the power of steady, consistent effort over the long haul.

Think about it: in a week or even a month, we may not see dramatic change, and that can leave us discouraged. But stretch the timeline out over a year, three years, or a decade — and those small daily steps compound into extraordinary outcomes.

Right-sizing our goals means being realistic about the short term while staying inspired by the possibilities of the long term.

It’s less about sprinting to quick wins and more about building momentum that carries us further than we imagined. Progress is a marathon — and the long view is where the magic happens.

EXERCISE:

Create a progress jar where every day you can add a marble or coin to a jar after completing a small tangible goal.

Over time, the growing collection will become a tangible reminder that small efforts add up. Consider reading Atomic Habits by James Clear to help you put this idea and many others into practice.

Someday is a disease

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“Someday is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.”

—Tim Ferriss, American entrepreneur and author

Image from Unsplash by Aluminum Disemboweler3000

“Someday” is a dangerous illusion.

Too often, we tuck our deepest hopes into the drawer labeled “later,” convincing ourselves there will be the perfect time to start.

The truth is that there really is no perfect time — there is only now.

Every day spent waiting is a day lost.

Whether it’s writing that book, starting a business, or simply calling someone you love, action transforms wishful thinking into reality.

Life is fleeting, and momentum is built step by step, not on a someday.

EXERCISE:

What dreams are you putting off?

What steps can and will you take today that will create the future in this moment, not tomorrow?

If you do not change direction

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“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”

—Lao Tzu, 1st Century Chinese Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Possessed Photography

To what degree are you living life on autopilot?

We often set a course early — in our careers, habits, even our mindset — and forget to check our compass.

But what if our path leads to burnout instead of fulfillment? Stagnation instead of growth?

Small course corrections today can lead to wildly different destinations tomorrow.

Momentum is powerful but it’s direction that determines destiny.

Take the wheel, check your maps, and don’t be afraid to turn around. Sometimes, the most successful journeys begin with a U-turn.

EXERCISE:

Where is the momentum of life taking you in the wrong direction?

Where can you hit the brakes and turn the wheel to travel a road far better suited for you?

Motivation has perfect attendance

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“Motivation has perfect attendance. It always shows up after you.”

—Shane Parrish, Author of Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Mika Baumeister

Motivation often feels elusive, like it’s hiding just out of reach.

Too often, we wait for inspiration to strike before taking action.

In reality, the simple act of starting is what invites motivation in.

When you push through resistance and begin, even if you don’t feel ready, you create momentum.

That momentum attracts motivation, fueling you to keep going.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of inspiration, take the first step and trust that motivation will follow.

Action breeds motivation, not the other way around.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life would it be useful to recognize that motivation is a follower, not a leader?

How can and will you best leverage this idea in both your personal and professional pursuits?

Friday Review: Momentum

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Friday Review: Momentum

Do you find it easy or difficult to get going or keep going? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

 

 

 

 

“When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.”

 

 

 

 

“It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention.”

 

 

 

“Getting started generates the momentum to keep going.”

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“Getting started generates the momentum to keep going.”

—Tony Robbins, American author, coach and speaker

Image from Unsplash by Braden Collum

In many ways we humans are a bit like our vehicles.

When we start and stop often throughout our days our mileage is less than desired.

When we get up to speed and hit the cruise control button, our efficiency and effectiveness skyrocket.

What happens when we are stopped completely and the inertia to stay stopped feels so strong?

Here are a few ways to apply the concept of momentum to your daily efforts once you get going:

    • Start with small wins to build confidence and motivation.
    • Create a daily routine based on the positive habits you value.
    • Habit stacking helps attach new habits to existing ones.
    • Avoid taking breaks and push through low levels of resistance that can slow you down or stop you completely.
    • Celebrate yourself for both effort and progress to reinforce positive behaviors and sustain your motivation.

    EXERCISE:

    In what areas of your life do you need to get out of the starting block?

    How can you apply some of the strategies above to build and maintain your momentum to keep going?

Opportunities multiply as they are seized

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“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

—Sun Tzu, ancient Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Showboat Chowdhury

It is said that a rolling stone gathers no moss.

What if instead of a stone we considered opportunities to be tightly packed snowballs?

With winter approaching, many a child will be wishing for snow days with hopes of building a few Frosties.

How and in what ways do you capitalize on the momentum of your efforts?  How do you keep the ball rolling and keep your hot streaks going?

EXERCISE:

What opportunities are currently within your grasp?

Once you grab them, how do you keep things going to find other opportunities often inches away to seize?

It is easier to course correct once we’re on our way

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“It is easier to course correct once we’re on our way. When in doubt, focus on getting started. Momentum will make subsequent moves significantly easier.”

—Rohan Rajiv, Author of the A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

If you drove a car or a truck in the 1950’s you needed a good bit of upper body strength to turn the wheel.

Before the advent of power steering in the 1960’s, moving from ten to two had many folks break a sweat, especially if the vehicle was at a complete stop.

If you were moving and had some momentum, actions such as changing lanes and going around curves was considerably easier.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do you need to course correct and change lanes?

Where do you want to take your life out of park, put things in gear and step on the gas to build the momentum you need to get where you’re going?

 

The plateaus of life are simply part of our journey

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The plateaus of life are simply part of our journey. Learn to love them and keep moving forward.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Rob Wingate

I recently watched the Netflix series on the Tour De France. I haven’t ridden a bike in years, and was surprised how this event captured my spirit of adventure and ongoing desire for excellence.

The twenty-one days over which this event is held is one of the greatest tests of grit and endurance I’ve ever seen.

The 170+ riders face grueling mountain climbs, bumpy cobblestone roads, and downhill runs where speeds of over 80 miles per hour have been clocked. Of course, there are plenty of flat parts where the peloton pushes forward at a pace that has the riders wiz by, cheering fans in a blur.

EXERCISE:

What races are your running these days?

How hard do you push yourself on difficult uphill climbs? How fast do you go when the grade of life is downhill?

What is your approach to the plateaus of your journey on your way to your own yellow jersey?

It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention

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“It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention.”

—James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Nubelson Fernandes

Most people are familiar with the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall.” As we nod in agreement, our thoughts often lean toward communities or teams that need to pull together to achieve a worthy goal.

These days, our attention may also include numerous global issues that require a united front.

Today’s quote offers a shift from the macro to the micro.

It points us inward to our individual worlds and frequent forays in multiple directions that often get us nowhere.

EXERCISE:

Where do you find your attention divided in your personal or professional efforts?

How and where would a more focused approach generate the momentum you need to achieve what you most desire?