Momentum is an important factor in achieving our goals.
There are times when we find ourselves on the positive side of momentum where it seems like we can do no wrong as we pile up victories or sales. At other times, we find ourselves on the negative side of momentum where it feels like everything is going against us and we just can’t stop the bleeding. We find ourselves wondering, what do I have to do to regain my momentum and get back on track?
The good news is that, like most things that determine our success or failure, momentum is a choice we get to make. Lou Holtz explains…
People discuss momentum in sports all the time, but have you ever heard anybody adequately define what it is?
Momentum is nothing more than a state of mind. An attitude.
For example, you are winning a football game 14-0. Your opponent scores just before the half to make it 14-7. Up in the broadcast booth, the announcers proclaim that momentum has just swung in favor of the other team, even though you’re still ahead 14-7.
Now let’s look at another example. This time your team is tied 7-7. You score a touchdown and make the extra point just before the half to go ahead 14-7. As you enter the locker room, everyone now claims the momentum is with you. Ridiculous. The score is 14-7 in both instances.
In other words, momentum is whatever your attitude determines it to be.
– Lou Holtz, from his book Winning Every Day
Momentum matters. It’s a very real thing that we all experience. It can make your life much easier or much harder.
But, contrary to what a lot of people think, momentum is not something we have no control over. WE get to choose the direction of our momentum by choosing our attitudes.
The last thing you want to do is let the outside world define your momentum for you. You can shift your momentum at any time by choosing the right attitude.
When things aren’t going your way and you find yourself on a losing streak, you need to consciously focus on small victories. You can always find something to be grateful for and when you start focusing on these little victories, you shift your attitude and begin building positive momentum.
Success breeds success. That’s what momentum is. Once you choose to focus on the positive things—no matter how small—it ignites positive momentum. If you choose to focus on only the things that are going against you, it keeps you stuck on the negative side of momentum.
Momentum is a choice. Choose wisely.
