The Power of Momentum
Sometimes, one of the hardest things for an individual with ADHD to do is just to get started!
Other times, we have great energy and enthusiasm and get started with a “bang,” only to lose momentum and struggle to follow through and finish. I know many of you have left a wake of unfinished projects behind you! I hear about them all the time from my clients, and I’ve been there myself.
Over the years, I’ve given you many tools to help you get started. But, once we do get started, it’s important to know how to create momentum that lasts and use its power so that we can see things through to the finish line!
The Power of Momentum
When harness the power of momentum, what we need to do becomes less of struggle, and the momentum continues with much less effort—and that’s how you get to the finish line!
It’s science! Remember Newton’s laws of motion from your school science classes? Newton’s first law is the law of inertia. It’s that old principle that says, “An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion“.
That’s how you finish what you start, and follow through on your intentions–by letting physics do the work—by building momentum, and letting that momentum carry you, rather than by pushing through on your own.
Here are a couple quick, simple tips to help you harness the power of momentum for yourself:
Know Your Why.
Getting in touch with Why what you’re doing matters in the deeper sense as it relates to your values and the life you want for yourself and those you love, is one way to maintain that momentum. What’s the point of what you’re doing? What’s the payback, and why does it matter to you? Dig Deep!
And, while it’s important to know your Why, being able to see your Why and be reminded of it in practical, tangible ways is just as important! Creating visual reminders, such as vision board, mission statement and other reminders, can help keep your Why in the front of your mind to keep you going.
See Your Progress.
Most of us have a tendency to “Focus on The Gap” between where we are and where we want to be, and don’t really pay enough attention to the progress we’re making in closing that gap. And that’s a momentum killer!
Get creative in finding ways to track your progress and your effort toward whatever you’re doing. You may be surprised at just how impactful it can be to create a progres tracker for yourself so that you have that visual in-your-face reminder of your effort and forward movement. (Think about that thermometer-type graphic that charities will often use to show their progress toward fundraising, or an old-school sticker reward chart.)
Appreciate the Small Stuff.
Noticing and keeping track of your progress (no matter how small) and truly celebrating and taking pride in that gradual progress is another important tool for building momentum, but it’s very hard for some of us to do without a serious shift in our thinking. Learning how to give yourself “credit” and appreciate the small steps it takes to keep going on those longer journeys is absolutely essential to harnessing momentum.
How are you focusing on your progress, and rewarding your effort? Are you appreciating the smaller steps it takes to get to your destination, or only giving yourself credit for crossing the finish line? Also, Does your “less-than-perfect” effort or outcome deserve acknowledgement and recognition? If not, your biggest obstacle may just well be the one between your ears!
What can you pay attention to that will help you build momentum?
Share your tips, ideas and thoughts as comments on this post. I’ll bet you can inspire someone else!
Until next time…
Take care,
P.S. And, if you know that your struggles with avoidance, procrastination and overwhelm are keeping you from following through, please check out my Get it Done! group and break the chains that have been holding you back! Visit www.ProcrastinationProgram.com to learn more
