Forward Momentum
Photo of the Waterfalls on the Frio River, Leakey, Texas captured by Marlene Clark
WHAT IS “MOMENTUM”?
In physics, momentum = mass x velocity.
In business, we could say “mass” is an idea, and “velocity” is the speed at which you execute that idea. That speed is influenced by your own behaviors as well as obstacles you might encounter. Other people, and the way you choose to interact with them, can help or hinder momentum.
HOW DO YOU BUILD MOMENTUM?
There are a lot of factors that influence your momentum — how clear you are on the steps you need to take, your level of conviction for the idea, and how well you communicate it to others. In collaboration, do you allow others to use their talents to the benefit of your goal? How do you respond when you encounter disagreement?
HOW DO YOU KEEP MOMENTUM GOING?
If a ball is set to roll down a hill, it will build speed and keep going unless someone interferes with its path or it runs into a barrier. Your momentum is the same; once you get going, you pick up speed, and the path feels easier until you hit a roadblock. Maybe that roadblock is your own limiting blind spot; maybe it’s another person you need to get alignment with to keep going. Oftentimes, momentum is disrupted because we are avoiding conflict or what we perceive is going to be conflict.
“Every breakdown is a function of a conversation not had.”
How many times has your progress been stymied because you are putting off an uncomfortable conversation? Or you’re trying to address something over email that really needs to be an in-person interaction or at least a phone call?
The longer we put off those tough conversations, the bigger and scarier they become and the more they sap our energy, effectively putting a tar pit in our path. Suddenly, we are wading through goo instead of running easily over firm ground.
But if instead, we make that phone call, address that issue that’s driving us nuts right away, and don’t waste energy avoiding it, we can leap over that tar pit and keep going.
It’s the ability to overcome resistance.
Momentum in business, or even in your personal life, is like physics. Getting going, the start-up energy is the hardest thing to muster but once you’re rolling, you easily pick up speed and navigate over small bumps. If then, when you come to a bigger barrier, if you start scaling it immediately instead of waiting around hoping it will disappear on its own, your momentum will carry you to the other side.
“To be the best in the world at what you do, you have to find the best in yourself. Not just once but every time out, because the most important victories come in discovering just how far you can go. Never underestimate the power of momentum. ”
— Paul Enquist, Olympic gold medalist
Looking forward,
Fundamental of the Week #6: CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Both physical and emotional safety are important. Safety means it's okay to speak up or try new ideas without fear of blame; Innovation thrives in a safe environment.
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