Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, endlessly waiting for that burst of motivation to strike? You’re not alone. The fear of wasted potential and the desire for meaningful progress haunt creators and entrepreneurs alike. But here’s the hard truth: motivation is unreliable. It’s fleeting. It can vanish as quickly as it appears. If you’re tired of waiting for that perfect moment to take action, it’s time to shift your focus. What if I told you that momentum, not motivation, is the true driver of success?
A Whisper of Intuition
You know my story. From a young age, I betrayed my true passions, suppressing my creativity in favor of playing it safe. It wasn’t until my grandfather’s sudden passing left me with his cameras that I listened to that inner voice. It was a nudge, barely louder than the noise around me, but I took the leap. Following my gut instead of my conditioned safety net changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Just like that Chinese proverb: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
This isn’t just true for me; it’s true for all of us. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve ignored your intuition. What matters is that you start listening today. One tiny adjustment can change everything.
Regretting the Things You Didn’t Do
After sharing this story in my newsletter, I received a response from a reader, a photographer, who felt a similar nudge. He started his career in computer science and design, dabbling in various interests. When clients requested stock photography, he thought, “I could take those shots,” and he did. The recession hit, and he went back to college for a degree in photography. He landed assisting jobs, then a full-time position with stability and regular income.
Despite his gratitude for his job, his gut told him something was off. He felt like he had lost momentum. The saying “I would prefer to look back at 90 and regret the things I didn’t do rather than the things I did,” resonated deeply with him. He knew it was time to take another plunge, to start his own work, and see if it floated.
The Power of Momentum
This brings us to the core idea: momentum is greater than motivation. Motivation is fleeting; it comes and goes with your mood and circumstances. But momentum? That’s a force that builds upon itself, pushing you forward even when motivation wanes.
When you have that gut feeling, that whisper of intuition, you don’t need a grand plan. You just need to start. Dip a toe in the water and explore. The first step is often the hardest, but once you begin, the momentum builds. It’s like pushing a giant granite ball. The initial push requires the most effort, but once it starts rolling, it becomes almost unstoppable.
Acknowledge and Explore
If you’re feeling that nudge, acknowledge it. Say it out loud. When you vocalize your intuition, you bring it from the subconscious to the conscious. It’s no longer an annoying itch in the background; it becomes something you can address and explore.
Here’s a simple exercise: take a moment to write down what your gut is telling you. Maybe it’s a project you’ve been putting off, a new skill you want to learn, or a career shift you’re contemplating. Write it down and then say it out loud. This small act can be incredibly powerful. It’s the first step towards turning that whisper into action.
Building Momentum
Now, let’s talk about building momentum. Here are a few steps to help you get started:
- Start Small: You don’t need to make a huge leap. Start with small, manageable steps. This could be setting aside 10 minutes a day to work on your passion project or reaching out to someone in the field you’re interested in.
- Consistency is Key: Make it a daily habit. Even on days when motivation is low, commit to doing something small. This consistency builds momentum.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating progress fuels further action.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to changing course. As you build momentum, you’ll learn and grow. Allow your path to evolve.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Connect with like-minded individuals who can encourage and inspire you. Their energy can help maintain your momentum.
Trust the Process
Trust in the process of momentum. It’s not always about knowing the end goal but rather about staying in motion. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your true path. It’s about aligning your actions with that inner voice, that whisper of intuition.
Final Thoughts
Remember, motivation is a spark, but momentum is the fire. By acknowledging your intuition and taking small, consistent steps, you can build unstoppable momentum. It’s about moving forward, even when the path isn’t entirely clear. Trust yourself, embrace the journey, and let momentum carry you to new heights.
Until Next Time.
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