Why Momentum Matters

Motivation. Momentum. M&M's. Mattison.

It's quite obvious the best words in the dictionary start with the letter "M." If my roommate Mitch is reading this, you are the one exception ;)

Momentum is seen as a prevalent concept in sports. I like to think of business like sports. As a matter of fact, you could make the case that life and sports have many commonalities. Before we go any further, let's take a look at how momentum is seen within the sports world.

MOMENTUM = ACTION

Here's How:

• First, momentum shifts begin with a "precursor event", like an interception in football or slam dunk in basketball.

• Next, this "event" leads to "changes in cognition, physiology, and affect." Depending on the athlete, his or her confidence level will determine how strongly he/she reacts to the event.

• Third, a "change in behavior" would come from all of these internal perceptions. If you were watching the game/match/fight, you would be able to see changes in the style of play from the players as a result from the momentum created. This could be body language, oral communication, etc.

• After the behavior changes is a "change in performance." Without the precipitating event, there would not be noticeable momentum shifts.

• Finally, at the end of the chain, there should be an immediate outcome change.

Momentum creates action. I'm no physics expert (ask anyone in my Intro to Physics class from Freshman year). Momentum creates ACTION in the science world, sports world and in your mental state.

So, how can you use this sports-minded example of momentum if you aren't anything close to an athlete?

EASY!

If you ever feel like you have been lying around all day and haven't accomplished anything, there is one simple way to complete change your mindset:

DO SOMETHING. DO ANYTHING.

Get up. Go for a quick walk around the block. Do 10 push-ups. Start some laundry. Just do something. Be creative. Get the ball rolling.

If it feels as if you are so far away from a goal you have or have so much to do, start small and use the momentum to create continuous action. Once you start moving, there's no one stopping you.

Start the momentum.

Efficiency Experiment: The Results

If you read my last blog post (you better have), you know I tried to be as efficient as possible a week and a half ago.

No distractions. No wasting time. No pointless actions.

"Match your actions with your ambitions"

So, how did I do? Did I work for 16 hours straight without any breaks? 

Well, here are the "results."

I mean this when I say this: I stayed focused on the task on hand without distractions or aimlessly looking at my phone for the entire day besides these two instances (Netflix and Social Media)

I didn't count the time I took to workout and eat because I figured these parts of my life are essential in order to stay healthy.

Sorry not sorry.

Was there any point of doing this for ONE DAY? What's the whole idea of being extra focused for one day and then going back to my "old ways?"

I consider myself someone who is focused and with the ability to regroup after being distracted. There were times when I wanted to just "chill," sit back and check Instagram. There were times I wanted to watch another Stranger Things.

Of course, it's healthy to take breaks and give yourself a mental break for clarity. However, whenever I sit down with the intention to complete a task, I make a conscious effort to complete it after I start it.

Finish what you started, man.

Here's how I do it:

• Set a timer.
• One hour.
• After that hour is complete, take a 10 minute break.
• Then get right back to it.

It becomes a game. You against the clock. Who's going to win? You have plenty of time EVERY DAY to complete the majority of things you want to do.

It all comes down to how you're spending your time.

How are you spending your time when you're awake? 

I'm not going to take notes every time I "slip up" or get distracted. However, I am going to have the quote "Match your actions with your ambitions" in the back of my head whenever I set out to do something. Big or small.

Give it a try and let me know if you have any other ways to consistently stay focused.