4 Ways to Build Momentum Today

Welcome back! We’re moving right along through our blog series on How to Create and Sustain Momentum.  Last week we discussed the importance of, and how to create, the movement (think baby steps) necessary to either keep pushing through or get started moving in a positive direction, in relation to the things you’d like to accomplish in your life.

Today, we’ll discuss STRENGTH BUILDING, as it relates to creating and sustaining momentum.

What comes to mind when you think of Strength Building?  Sweaty workouts in the gym?  Bulging muscles?

Well, yes, that’s certainly one aspect of strength building.  Just like with a gym membership, we must consider what makes a successful strength building workout in other areas of our lives.

Can you imagine walking into a gym and half of the equipment was broken or covered with someone else’s sweat?  What if you arrived to your Zumba class and the instructor showed up 10 minutes late and didn’t have the right music?  Not the most conducive setup for your workout, right?

Creating and sustaining momentum can be tricky.  There are bound to be bumps in the road that you don’t anticipate or you can’t control, so anything you can do to prepare for a smooth ride is in your best interest.

Following are four key areas to focus on in your STRENGTH BUILDING efforts:

Workout Space:  It’s important to keep a clean, organized, and ready to be “worked out” in work space.  Whether your “workout” space is your dining room table, your office desk, your truck bed (landscaper or craftsman), or your kitchen counter, the more organized and clean you keep it, the easier it will be to dive right into your project and keep your momentum rolling along. Haven’t designated a work-space?  I strongly urge you to.  If you’re constantly having to pack up and move from place to place, this, alone, can kill your momentum.  You don’t need anything fancy, even a closet can be set up to be an awesome work-space. The point is, it’s your space.

Workout Tools:  What tools are necessary or helpful for you to perform your tasks well?  The tools I keep in my “tool-belt” for this blog are: my computer, a camera (for still photos and videos), a couple design apps to create graphical images, and a journal and sharp pencil for mapping out my ideas.  Not only do I need these tools to perform my tasks properly, but I need to make sure my tools are in good shape.  For me, this means keeping my computer updated, making sure my camera is in good working order, etc.  Can you imagine a tree trimmer showing up to their job with a bunch of dull blades for cutting the trees?  Not a good plan!

Workout Schedule:  It’s all about discipline and consistency.  Block out time in your schedule to complete your tasks and stick to it.  Why is it that we put things on our calendar, but allow other people’s agenda to interrupt?  Honoring your time is just as – if not more – important as honoring the time of others.  If you have a hard time saying no to others who are looking to infringe on your schedule, then I suggest you practice this response: “I’m sorry, but I have an appointment then, but I am available XX or XX time.”  Yes, you do have an appointment.  Just because it’s an appointment with yourself, doesn’t diminish the importance of it.  One last thing… you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Workout Partner:  Most Sunday mornings, I walk five miles with a friend.  When we don’t make a plan to walk that day, I usually skip the walk altogether.  You’d think I’d just go anyway–I know that would be best, but the call of my cozy bed convinces me to stay a little longer.  The power of having an accountability partner is HUGE.  Even if you just check in with your partner every week or two and discuss what projects you’ve got going on and what you’d like to accomplish moving forward.

If you implement these four areas, your projects will be more enjoyable and your momentum will soar.

I’d love to hear from you.  I have a 2-part question: 1. Which of these areas needs some work in your life?  2. What will you do today to create a space, get your tools ready, schedule time, or get an accountability partner?  Tell me in the comment area below.

As always, I appreciate you spending time with me here today.

Here’s to the awesome strength-building taking place in your life!

Jill xx

Momentum Series Archive:

Click here for week 1.

Click here for week 2.

You’re reading week 3. : )

Click here for week 4.

Click here for week 5.

Jill xx