5 Strategies To Create Momentum When Motivation Fades
Never rely on motivation. She’s a fickle friend.
In this journey of chasing our dreams, one must remember one truth: motivation is a fleeting companion.
One day, you’re on fire, ready to conquer the world. The next, you can barely muster the energy to get out of bed.
That’s motivation for you. She’s a charming hype girl, but a fickle friend. Your energy levels will always fluctuate if you rely on motivation alone.
That’s where momentum comes in. Later, I’ll share five powerful strategies to kickstart your drive when motivation takes a backseat.
But first, let’s set some ground rules with our mercurial friend, Motivation.
Motto for Motivation: Don’t Count On It, Act On It
I constantly remind myself that motivation is a guest who might overstay or leave without notice.
So, when it arrives, seize it. Jot down ideas, make quick plans, and tackle those small tasks. Ride the wave while it lasts, knowing it won’t stay forever.
And when it departs, let it go, appreciating the boost it offered and moving forward.
Don’t go yearning for it to come back. Stand back on your own feet and create momentum.
Unlike motivation, which can come and go like a passing breeze, momentum is a force you can harness and cultivate.
Momentum: Your Reliable Fuel Beyond Motivation
Momentum starts with the smallest action. Usually, these are the things that you don’t need to deliberate on before doing.
Start building momentum by focusing on doing the next step. One step, and then you’ll regain footing. Then, you become unstoppable.
These are the simple no-brainer steps that usually get me back on track when motivation takes a backseat:
1. Make Your Bed
A short video of an interview with Tom Holland inspired this. The interviewer asked, “What’s the first and last thing you do during your day?”
He wasn’t too proud with the last thing — checking emails. But the first thing he does is so simple yet impactful.
Make your bed. It’s as simple as that. One ticked box out of your to-do list. What a great way to start, right?
Thanks to Tom Holland's answer, I just made my bed this morning. Plus, you’ll keep your room tidy and organized for work.
2. Exercise
Some people have successfully made exercise a part of their routine. They’re so used to it by now that it doesn’t need convincing to get to the gym.
That’s the goal. But for some of us, there’s a lot of self-talk and probably bribery before getting to the gym.
But here’s a consolation. Don’t do it for your body image. Do it to get a clearer focus for the rest of the day.
You’ll still get both, anyway. The only difference is that you’ll see immediate results in how it improves your mood and focus. That’s enough momentum to keep you going.
3. Calendar Scheduling
Schedule your calendar a week prior to minimize your decision-making time.
When you wake up, everything’s laid out for you on the calendar. There’s no deciding whether you’ll do it or not. No more second-guessing.
Do this whether you’re in a 9–5 job, self-employed, or entrepreneur. It doesn't matter. Time is a precious, limited resource. Whether rich or poor, you only get to have twenty-four hours a day.
4. Participate in a challenge
Doing what is required of you sounds dreary. Why not add some fun to it?
This might work for you if you have a competitive spirit within you. Or a curiosity to see whether you’re going to make it or not.
If you’ve been following my posts, I participated in the 100-day Writing Challenge (now on Day 19!) and the 5 AM Club Challenge (now on Day 12!).
The 5 AM Club Challenge In 66 Days
Unlocking early mornings for personal growth
kayceeports.medium.com
Both challenges help me become consistent and accountable, especially when I practice in public.
I encourage you to consider participating in a challenge if you like to add a playful spirit to your endeavors. It’s important also to document your progress and celebrate small wins along the way.
5. Journalling
Journalling hastens the process of my breakdowns. Yes, I’m talking about the overwhelming emotions and sometimes ugly crying.
All of a sudden, out of nowhere, these breakdowns will break your momentum. If it doesn't — meaning you’re just plowing through your work while sidestepping your emotions — then you may not be processing it. Bottling up emotions will cause bigger problems (i.e., burnout) in the long term.
Scheduling a 5-minute breakdown may work, but it releases only some of the pressure. Imagine letting it flow and then putting an abrupt stop to it. It becomes a recurring problem because it will build up again.
With journalling, you release all pressure by opening the floodgates. You do it with mindfulness. Instead of letting your thoughts run wild, you think and process them slower when you’re writing.
The sooner you process them, the sooner you’ll be able to create momentum again.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the magic of momentum lies in those simple actions, effortlessly taken.
When motivation's elusive, momentum stays faithful. It's like the hum of a well-tuned engine, driving us toward our goals.
So, when motivation takes a backseat, let momentum take the wheel. After all, it's in consistent action that dreams find their wings and soar. ❤
