Building momentum: It’s physics, baby!
It’s mid-September! Schools are back in session and routines are taking shape. There’s a sense that we are meant to be building momentum to carry us through Q4 and into the new year.
But do you know how to build momentum without burning out?
Simply applied, it proves that an object of substantial mass requires a more substantial force to get moving and build momentum. And an object at rest - regardless of mass - has no momentum whatsoever!
What does this mean for the momentum you want to build this fall? It means your ability to build momentum depends on three things:
Your bias for action
A bias for action does not necessarily mean doing something every waking moment, but it does mean you must be willing to find or create movement. The more often you and your team choose to try something, the more likely you are to build momentum!
2. Your ability to identify which variable(s) you can influence
Whenever you and your team feel weighed down this fall, try asking these questions:
Do I have the capacity to reduce the amount of workload before me?
If not…
Do I have the capacity to increase the speed at which my work gets done, and done well?
If not…
Do I have the capacity to reduce friction and resistance?
The sooner you correctly identify which variable(s) in the equation you can control, the sooner you can redirect your energy and effort, and help others do the same.
3. Your honesty about where friction and resistance exist
Although friction and resistance are not immediately visible in the momentum equation, they are some of the most important variables to work on!
INTERNAL friction feels like…
Fatigue
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Insecurity
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Skepticism
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Guilt
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Black and white thinking
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Overthinking
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Perfectionism
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Fatigue - Insecurity - Skepticism - Guilt - Black and white thinking - Overthinking - Perfectionism -
EXTERNAL friction looks like…
Micromanagement
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Short-term planning
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Passive aggressive behaviors
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Criticism
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Excuses
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Analysis paralysis
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Procrastination
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Micromanagement - Short-term planning - Passive aggressive behaviors - Criticism - Excuses - Analysis paralysis - Procrastination -
The more you can reduce (or eliminate) these types of friction and resistance, the easier it will be to build momentum.
So as you and your team strive to build momentum this fall, I challenge you to think like a physicist. Work smarter. Look beyond the obvious variables and find new ways to reduce friction so you can build momentum!
And if you need help, just ask!
