Gain Momentum

Sometimes there’s a lull in the action after you’ve started something new.

It could be anything that you’re working on. New habit, new project, new team.

Yet after the initial adrenaline rush, there are times of discouragement. You were expecting to accomplish so much. But now you feel stuck. In a rut. We all know this feeling.

The best way to eject from the rut?

1. Look back to where you were before. Sometimes we get so hard on ourselves, we forget where we were and how far we’ve come. Tell that inner critic to settle down.
2. Look forward to where you want to go. Keep your ‘why’ — your vision — clear in view. It’s so easy to get distracted by urgent and newfangled.
3. Take the next simplest step.

But taking the next step can seem monumental and scary. You might feel paralyzed and don’t know what to do.

When you feel that way, shift your weight forward. Shift your perspective. Anything you can to lean towards what’s next.

Stack everything in that direction. And don’t worry about the mess.

Sleep in your workout clothes. Write the first sentence. Cut the leather. Ask a friend to keep you accountable. Sign up for guitar classes.

Show up.

If you don’t know what the first step is, ask: What if? What if I tell people my dream? What if I share my work? What happens if I do what I’ve always done?

Once you have enough of your weight leaning in that direction, your feet will follow. It will feel good to gain some traction and push off the ground.

And the next step will help build that momentum as you get in motion.

Speaking of momentum, check out these 11 pieces of gear that keep me running (and riding my bike) through the winter.