Momentum And Performance

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Momentum as "strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events." In this blog we will look at the concept of Momentum, particularly positive momentum as a way to facilitate positive performance in life. Although it is possible for momentum to spiral into the negative (or even be stopped), for this blog we want to focus on the positive, how to harness and build off momentum. With the end of the year coming we figure this is a great time to build off of the end of the year and take positive momentum into the next year so 2023 starts off strong.

To make it a little we will focus on the concept of a series of events (as opposed to motion) to gain strength or force. Every athlete understands momentum. It is that feeling that things are going well, you have the power to to control your performance, or get your opponents to yield to whatever strategy you want. It is a feeling of flow, no thinking, just doing, and trusting it will all work out well. Confidence tends to be high during those times, and as momentum speeds up, success speeds up, and fuels the cycle.

Students can should also use this same belief system as athletes. Nothing feels better than getting a few questions right on a homework assignment. It increases engagement, and makes the process easier. Mentally, it lowers resistance to adversity, and improves the learning process. For exams, this same process can kick in during exams, and better grades are the result.

What about using positive momentum in life performance? As with everything in life it comes it is essential to draw on the positives and build momentum. By focusing on positive, or believing you can control events, anxiety decreases and confidence increases. Many people only focus on the challenges, or things that overwhelm them. This creates a negative thought cycle, and stops momentum in its tracks, and in tum happiness. If you truly want to be a happy person, you have to build off the momentum of successes.

But how do we harness Momentum and facilitate healthy life performance? Here are some ways in no particular order to harness momentum and improve life performance.

1. Focus on the positives and successes, minimizing mental focus on the negatives.

2. Use past successes or lessons learned to apply to new situations that need your positive momentum.

3. Minimize thinking in the moment - go with the flow and let things happen.

4. Give yourself credit for the positive choices you made.

5. Focus on what you can control and challenge negative thinking with positive challenges to negative assumptions.

6. Share your momentum and positivity with others - your success can bring out success in others, and theirs will come back to you.

7. Enjoy the process.

8. Enjoy and internalize the positive emotions you are having in the growing momentum.

9. Embrace adversity that may arise - use it as motivation and look at the challenges from a positive perspective.

10. In all situations grow from it so you can use it again in the future.

These are just a few things to try to use Momentum in a positive manner to facilitate success and performance. We wish you luck and hopefully you take this momentum into 2023.