Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Power of Momentum in Your Life

Have you ever hesitated to take action and gotten stuck in a rut of inertia? Most often when this happens, you’re waiting for some internal or external clue that tells you it’s okay to move forward. You’re waiting until you feel more confident, or until obstacles dissolve and your goals are easier to achieve.
The problem is, the longer you stay inactive, the harder it is to begin moving forward. So you wait; and wait; and wait some more!

The truth is - it will never get easier to move forward. 

Every moment that you hold back you are settling deeper into your comfort zones, and pushing out of them will be even more uncomfortable when you finally do it.

However, you’ll be pleased to learn about a little thing called MOMENTUM.
You see, when most people procrastinate and avoid taking action, they do so because it seems exceedingly difficult to move forward – and they mistakenly believe that it will ALWAYS be that difficult. Have you ever had the same perception?
What you need to know is this: the longer you work on taking consistent action toward your goals, you will build momentum and it will get easier and easier as you go along.
Eventually the actions you take will seem almost effortless. You’ll begin to enjoy your activities because you’ll feel more empowered and confident about taking action. Not to mention, all of the effort you’ve put in will be reaping great results by that time!
Are you ready to climb out of your rut of inertia today? If so, here is a simple 3 step process to help you begin taking action – and keep taking it!

1. Commit to the actions first.

When many people set goals, they commit to achieving the end result, but they rarely commit to taking the actions that will get them there. Take a few minutes to jot down the specific action steps that will get you to your goal, and then make a solemn commitment to take them every day.

2. Baby steps, baby steps!

Did you know that small, consistent steps toward a goal are often more effective than large, sporadic actions? Even tiny actions will begin to build momentum and bring you great results! Make it your sole mission to move forward consistently, despite feelings of fear, obstacles that pop up, or anything else that threatens to erode your confidence. Keep moving forward no matter what.

3. Don’t focus on results yet.

Many a goal has been abandoned because people take an action, wait to see what the results are, and quit when they don’t see the results they expected. Don’t get so dependent upon the results that you allow them to determine your NEXT actions. In other words, focus only on putting one foot in front of the other, even if you’re not yet seeing the results you want. If you quit, you’re guaranteed not to see results – but by persevering, you’ll make things happen eventually.

45 comments:

  1. Very good tips! Thanks! Baby steps are the key to a LOT of life's challenges!

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  2. I agree with these tips, good ways to stay focused

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  3. Really good tips. I have a hard time going through with them myself.

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  4. Brain lightning always makes my ears ring. lol.

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  5. Another great set of advice from Pappa!

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  6. This post is sooooo totally why i have not lost weight. I work out for about 2 or 3 weeks, then just give up because results are not instant. then I blame other factors like school, or work. Ha when i know full well that it's just me being lazy and not sticking to the plan.

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  7. If you want to get something done, tell your mates about it, you'll have to do it or you'll look like an idiot

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  8. I love this blog. I always wanted to buy a self help book to read things like this but now I don't have to be embarrassed at a bookstore or if someone sees my bookshelf. Good stuff, keep it up!

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  9. jesus, i feel im becoming more efficient reading this.

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  10. Thanks for the tips, I really need these because I procrastinate sometimes on school work.

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  11. Pleasure to read you as always Pappa ;) I lost my momentum and I´m trying to find it currently, but it´s not that easy...

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  12. I feel good already by reading this! Thank you!

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  13. Good points man! Keep up the feel-good stuff.

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  14. Two things I need, momentum and focus. nice post!

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  15. I am reminded of my favorite football coach, Nick Saban. For him it is all about "the process" rather than the end result. If you discipline yourself in the small things then winning will take care of itself.

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  16. Great tips, and a good looking blog.

    +1 Follower, juju-paintballer.blogspot.com

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  17. I think focusing on results is where most people fall flat.

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  18. I live by #2. Take a gargantuan, seemingly impossible problem in life and break it into meaningful, achievable goals. Problem eventually solved and you feel good along the way

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  19. This is all so very true. I went through a huge weight loss throughout last year and can only see the similarities between achievement in other places of life as well.

    Following your blog, interesting articles.

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  20. Great post, very inspirational

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  21. really nice blogs... love 'em!

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  22. agree 100%, taking action is the hardest part.

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  23. Going to make this year! I have to!

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  24. Yes, great post. I needed some good fun tonight.

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  25. Very interesting, good read.

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  26. Funny... i'll try the brain grade.

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  27. Thanks for the advice and the good read there, I really took it to heart

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  28. Brilliant post.
    Great read, mate.

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  29. Very nice read. I'm going to have to take this advice

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  30. I completely get this. It's like, at the peak of my exam period I am always on fire in terms of studying. And then exams finish, and I still feel really motivated and excited about working, but I don't have an outlet, so it just fades out. If I could maintain that drive then I would be so much more productive. I think that in a few weeks when this lot of exams are over, I am really going to channel my energy into exercise and music to see what I can achieve. And I might maintain my studying by blogging more about science and medical news.

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  31. I need more motivation like this to help sustain my life.

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