Happy 2024! It’s the time of year when many people are evaluating their goals, their challenges, and what is holding them back. You might have motivation right now; however, the momentum starts to slow down within the next few weeks. If this tends to happen to you, then you’re not alone, but perhaps we can implement some new tools to keep you moving to where you want to be!
This Week At The Couples Workshop
There is a refreshing energy with some of my clients this week. Many are reflecting on their personal, professional, and relational goals. I received a phone call from a client whom I worked with over the summer. They asked me for ways to keep their relationship fresh and rejuvenated so they would continue their growth together. A lesson from this couple: even when you have accomplished a goal, new opportunities can present themselves for continued growth!
Real Talk On Resolutions
If you’ve started the year off with a bang, then you are likely feeling good about your mindset right now. Motivation is valuable because it creates this drive that makes us feel unstoppable! Here’s the problem: motivation is not enough. It’s not enough because it wears off when real life sets in and throws off your plans. Motivation knows how to get things started; however, it does not keep things moving. If we are solely relying on our motivation to keep things moving, then we are relying on something unpredictable. That’s where momentum comes in.
Gaining Momentum
You continue to achieve goals when you have tools in place to help you adapt as life throws crap your way. These tools are needed to keep things moving in the right direction instead of moving backward or slowing down. In 2024, I want to challenge you to learn new tools, to keep them sharp, and you are more likely to find resiliency to stay on track!
Please consider signing up for newsletters from The Couples Workshop as one way to keep your mind sharp. You’ll receive notifications every other week with a new tool.
Why We Lose Momentum
I want you to picture Newton’s cradle or pendulum (pictured above). The cradle is a way to demonstrate the conservation of momentum or the conservation of energy. When you lift and drop one sphere, the energy moves through the center spheres and lifts the sphere on the opposite side. The sphere on the other side gets most of the energy from the first; however, some of the energy is lost.
If you’ve ever had one of these, then you know the spheres go a few rounds before losing energy. First, they stop lifting and continue rocking together. Then the rocking ends and the pendulum comes to a stop.
What causes the spheres to stop? The air around the pendulum and the sound it creates. In short – the environment causes it to slow down and stop. The same is true for you. If you could only follow the plan and have as much motivation throughout the year as you do now, then you are going to achieve your goals. Unfortunately, other things get in the way: work, illness, injury, emergencies, etc.
To gain momentum you must have a plan for lifting the sphere back up to continue to the process. You must have a way to add some energy back into the pendulum to keep things moving!
How To Gain Momentum in 2024
Step 1: Face The Potential Problems
To gain momentum, I want you to start thinking about the opposite – what will get in the way of your goals and slow down your momentum? For example, if you want to run a 10k this year, then what would get in the way of your progress?
Potential Problems:
- You have higher turnover at your business and need to work longer hours.
- You are injured while training.
- Your go-to babysitter moves away.
- You are sick during your training program.
- Your trainer decides to retire.
- Poor weather.
- Equipment malfunction.
The important thing here, explore as many potential problems as possible! Don’t leave anything unsaid.
Step 2: Create Contingency Plans
Now that all the potential problems have been explored, create a contingency plan for each one! Why? Because when the problem occurs, you won’t have to think of a new plan because it is already in place. This is important because you might not be in a place to make effective decisions at the time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have momentum.
Example Contingency Plans:
- High turnover at the business – go for a run 4x per week instead of 6x per week, but do so for longer periods or with a weighted vest.
- Injury – Instead of running, focus on strength training the areas of your body that are uninjured.
- Babysitter moves away – Research afterschool activity options or ask friends/family about what they do.
- Sick while training – Prevention by staying healthy by maintaining sleep patterns and diet. While sick, continue to connect with your body through stretching or meditation exercises.
- Retired personal trainer – Research potential replacements ahead of time in case your trainer does not have suggestions. Also write down their go-to exercises for use in between trainers.
- Poor weather – Use poor weather days as lifting days.
- Equipment malfunction – have an extra pair of running shoes in the closet at all times and have a go-to location for indoor or outdoor runs.
The important thing here, have a game plan for when life eventually throws crap your way. It will happen, so prepare for it.
In Conclusion
You’ve created your game plan to meet some amazing goals this year. Now, have a deeper, in-depth plan for when shit hits the fan. When you do so, you are more likely to stay on track instead of trying to come up with other options at the moment. Click the video below to hear me discuss gaining momentum!
Stay Connected with Me!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my content on gaining momentum in 2024! I’m passionate about sharing insights on mental health, therapy, and personal growth, and I don’t want you to miss any updates. If you’re finding my content helpful, why not follow me on my social media channels? I share helpful tips, inspiring stories, and the latest trends in therapy and wellness. Join my community and be part of the conversation!
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Your support means so much to me. I look forward to connecting with you across all these platforms as we continue exploring topics to take your relationship to the next level. Let’s embark on this journey of growth and learning together!
Explore More on My Blog
If you’re curious about more topics related to therapy, relationships, and personal growth, check out my other blog posts for more insights and tips. Dive deeper into the world of therapy and personal development with my curated content!