One of the biggest roadblocks many leaders face is their inability to build momentum. Here’s how to build momentum…the easy way.
The secret is to get moving.
And then, incrementally do more. Too many try to go from 0 to 60.
An object in motion stays in motion. Moreover, an object in motion is easier to accelerate than one standing still. Don’t believe me? Go to your local Walmart and buy a medicine ball. Place it on a flat surface and push it with nothing but your index finger. It didn’t go very far, did it?
Now, put the ball in motion by pushing it with your full hand. Using the same finger and the same force as before, give it a nudge. The ball in motion accelerated more than the one at rest. Didn’t it?
This is the concept of the flywheel.
Similarly, an initiative in motion accelerates easier than one at rest. The environmental surroundings push it forward.
In other words – just do something.
Get a win under your belt. Success breeds success.
Recently one of my direct reports was struggling to get a large initiative going. It simply seemed as though there was too much background work, too much research, too much planning that needed to get done. Progress had stalled. In fact there was little to no momentum.
I encouraged the leader to simply announce the initiative. By putting it out there and casting a vision for what was going to be accomplished we were able to get a win under our belt. The win helped us identify the next steps, recruit passionate and able-bodied people to help and to build momentum.
It’s amazing how such a small thing as announcing an intention to do something can help us get started and get over the momentum hump.
How about you?
What are you stuck on and what can you not get moving fast enough? Is there a small win or something easy that you can accomplish in a matter of minutes that will help you build momentum?