Introducing Momentum
I’d like to introduce a concept I have been working on for a while.
Now it may have already been covered somewhere but I haven’t come across it as of yet.
Essentially I have gone through a number of periods of low drive and high drive in my life and have found that there are certain characteristics and circumstances that influence each of these states.
I conceptualize this as “Momentum”.
I find it helpful to visualise momentum as an ethereal spinning sphere of energy.
When we are productive and achieving results it is spinning a high speed and stable.
When we are in-active it is spinning slowly.
Momentum encompasses Vitality, Motivation, Energy, Productivity, Confidence.
I see momentum as the force that integrates Mind, Body and Spirit.
Momentum is most notable when we have had a productive day and all the tasks (even the mundane) are accomplished with ease and focus.
Example:
A day spent laying on the couch watching TV results in low momentum. Getting up to have a shower or do the dishes is very difficult.
A day spent working and achieving results produces high momentum. Having a shower and doing the dishes is very easy.
Here we have the same task yet two different perceptions of the effort it requires to complete.
This got me thinking.
What if momentum is something we can consciously influence and make ourselves more productive?
Over the past several years I have been working on this to try and hack momentum to improve my productivity and also keep me from burning out.
You see momentum is something that needs balance to flow smoothly.
If we run at a 100% (high momentum) for too long we run the risk of injury, illness or burnout. At the very least we will come off the tracks so to speak.
Likewise if we aren’t achieving our minimum then our momentum will be spinning slowly and we will experience the effects of low drive; depressed state, low energy etc.
Influencing Momentum
We can influence momentum in a variety of ways.
As we know Mind, Body and Spirit all influence each other.
Mind
- Positive Social Interaction
- Mental Organisation
- Achievement
Body
- Walking, Running, Cycling
- Cold Shower
- Breathing
Spirit
- Meditation (covers Mind and Body also)
- Being of service to others
- Practicing stillness
Of course there are many more examples but this provides some insight.
Worth noting, if each of these becomes routine it won’t add more to your momentum but will keep it stable – plus your likely a pretty contented person if you are doing all of the above 🙂
Below I will offer you a practical example of how you can increase momentum in your own life
Morning Routine
Aim to do multiple tasks of high certainty
Wake up, Drink 500ml water, Make Bed, Brush Teeth, Go for Walk, Do Yoga, Meditate.
These don’t have to be massive tasks but if you set the goal and accomplish said goal, it will raise your momentum.
Certain days you will have different requirements:
One day you might benefit from walking, another jogging first thing, another yoga, another strength training.
The more you listen to your body the more you can give it what it needs.
Work Flow
Leave a few small tasks that can be finished in a short amount of time. Add these to the start of your next day or work flow.
You will find that what would have slowed your momentum at the end of day will increase your momentum at the start of the day (or next cycle)
Conclusion
While just brushing the surface of this concept I can conclude that if you are taking purposeful action regularly (in whatever form; social, work, physical, mental, etc) you will be building and maintaining your momentum.
Perhaps a lack of momentum could be a new way to look at depression and why depression typically responds best to a holistic approach to lifestyle.
I will be covering this topic in more depth in a video shortly and also providing further productivity guidance via my coaching options.
If you have thoughts or anything to add I’d love to hear from you