Get Momentum

1. Momentum Begins with Motivation: Define Your Legacy

"What do I want to be known for?"

Clarify your purpose. This question is the foundation of momentum. It connects you to your deeper motivation and helps you prioritize what truly matters. By answering it, you create a clear vision of your legacy, which serves as a powerful driver for action.

Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. Understanding the source of your motivation is crucial. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, driven by personal interests and values. Extrinsic motivation is influenced by external factors like rewards or pressure. Identifying your core motivation helps you stay committed when challenges arise.

Overcome momentum saboteurs. Be aware of:

• Criticism from others
• Self-doubt
• Fear of change
• Comfortable routines

By focusing on your legacy and purpose, you can push through these obstacles and maintain momentum.

2. Mentors Accelerate Progress: Learn from Experience

"Nobody Does This Alone. Nobody."

Expand your circle of influence. Mentors provide invaluable guidance, support, and perspective. They can be people you know personally or those you learn from through their work and teachings. Seek out mentors who have achieved what you aspire to accomplish.

Types of mentorship:

• One-on-one meetings
• Group mastermind sessions
• Reading biographies and case studies
• Attending conferences and workshops

Benefits of mentorship:

• Gain new insights and strategies
• Avoid common pitfalls
• Expand your network
• Boost confidence and resilience

Remember, mentorship is a two-way street. Be open to learning, show gratitude, and look for ways to contribute value to your mentors as well.

3. Milestones Break Down Big Goals: Create Achievable Subprojects

"The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts."

Break it down. Large projects can be overwhelming. By dividing your goal into smaller, manageable milestones, you create a clear roadmap for success. This approach helps maintain motivation and provides frequent opportunities to celebrate progress.

Create SMART milestones:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Three-month focus. Plan your milestones in roughly 90-day cycles. This timeframe is long enough to make significant progress but short enough to maintain focus and adapt to changing circumstances.

Milestone examples:

• Complete market research by [date]
• Develop prototype by [date]
• Secure initial funding by [date]

By setting and achieving these smaller goals, you build momentum and confidence towards your larger objective.

4. Monitor Progress Regularly: Acknowledge Positive Changes

"What positive things are happening that I can acknowledge?"

Create a dashboard. Develop a system to track key indicators of progress. This could be a spreadsheet, a physical board, or a digital tool. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps you stay on course and identify areas needing attention.

Metrics to consider:

• Quantitative: Numbers, time, money, distances
• Qualitative: Feedback, personal growth, skill development

Practice gratitude. Acknowledging progress, no matter how small, reinforces positive behavior and motivation. Take time daily or weekly to reflect on and appreciate advancements made.

Debrief regularly. After completing milestones or projects, conduct a thorough review. Analyze what worked well, what challenges arose, and what lessons were learned. This reflection process improves future performance and decision-making.

5. Modify Strategies as Needed: Make Small, Impactful Changes

"What one change can I make to keep moving forward?"

Embrace flexibility. Being stuck often results from rigid thinking or processes. Be open to adjusting your approach based on new information, challenges, or opportunities that arise.

Areas to consider modifying:

• The overall goal
• Information sources and learning methods
• Work processes and habits

Start small. Focus on one change at a time to avoid overwhelm. Even minor adjustments can lead to significant improvements when consistently applied.

Overcome resistance to change:

• Acknowledge the discomfort
• Focus on potential benefits
• Seek support from mentors or peers
• Celebrate small wins to build momentum

Remember, modifying your approach is not failure – it's a sign of growth and adaptability.

6. Implement the 30/30 and 90/90 Rules: Boost Productivity

"Every day, work for 30 undistracted, uninterrupted, completely intentional minutes on one specific aspect of your project that is not due for 30 days or more from today."

The 30/30 Rule. Dedicate 30 minutes daily to work on a task due in 30+ days. This proactive approach prevents last-minute rushes and builds consistent progress.

The 90/90 Rule. Once a month, spend 90 minutes planning for tasks 90+ days in the future. This long-term perspective helps you anticipate challenges and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Reduces stress and overwhelm
• Improves time management
• Increases project quality
• Builds confidence and momentum

Implementation tips:

• Schedule these sessions in your calendar
• Eliminate distractions during focused work
• Use tools like timers or productivity apps
• Review and adjust your approach regularly

By consistently applying these rules, you'll shift from reactive to proactive work habits, ultimately achieving more with less stress.

7. Sustain Momentum: Apply the Process to Work and Life

"The Get Momentum process gives you the tools to live a life true to yourself and make the impact you're here to make."

Holistic application. The momentum process isn't limited to work projects. Apply these principles to personal goals, relationships, and overall life satisfaction.

Key areas for application:

• Career development
• Personal growth
• Health and wellness
• Relationships
• Community involvement

Continuous improvement. Regularly revisit the five momentum questions:

1. What do I want to be known for?
2. Whom can I learn from?
3. What are three subprojects I can complete?
4. What positive things are happening that I can acknowledge?
5. What one change can I make to keep moving forward?

Share the process. Teaching others reinforces your own understanding and creates a supportive network. Consider sharing these principles with colleagues, friends, or family members to amplify the impact.

By integrating the Get Momentum process into various aspects of life, you create a powerful framework for ongoing growth, achievement, and fulfillment.

Last updated: October 27, 2024