The Action-Oriented Approach

 Momentum Over Motivation :Why action creates results, not waiting for inspiration

Momentum Over Motivation is a book that lays a very strong truth on its table which is that, action is what drives things towards a result--not waiting for inspiration or motivation to come to your doors. Momentum is also a factor that you can develop and maintain over time whereas motivation can be a fickle thing. There is a familiar saying that the energy, confidence and concentration to press on usually comes when you start even when you do not feel like doing it.

                                                                       

This is what you should do whenever you want to use momentum as a fuel towards succeeding:

1. Learn the Myth of Motivation

The notion that someone should feel motivated in order to perform is held by many individuals yet it is the other way round as people often perform and then feel motivated. Sitting and waiting until you get inspired is unhealthy as it might mean that you procrastinate, but starting, however bad, will give you the motivation that you seek.

Mindset Shift: I do not have to be motivated in order to start. A fresh start will generate the impetus that I require."

• Example: Annealing session Feeling unmotivated to exercise? Only promise 5 minutes. When you get started, you will tend to continue.

2. Look at Just a Few Steps at a Time

It is difficult to get motivated because such ambitions are large enough to cause intimidation. Dividing work by task minimizes overwhelm and prepares you to take action by breaking an action into manageable, small chunks. It also gets the job done with quick wins, which drive the growth.

Step 2: Action Step Step 2: Notice what is the very minimum action you can take at this moment.

• Example: If it is a book you are writing, decide to come up with one sentence or think of one idea today.

3. Apply The Power of the First Step

The most important is the part that is the hardest to start. When you finally do one step, then you set off the inertia of doing nothing and the momentum will get set in motion.

Mantra: The mantra of starting small but starting today.

Example: when thinking of cleaning your house you may be dreading it so you can do one drawer or one room only. You will be motivated to continue with the progress.

4. Movement produces Energy

Idleness sucks energy and action produces energy. When you finish even a minor job, your brain is able to launch dopamine, which is the feel-good chemical that makes you take an additional step.

• Mindset Shift: I find energy in doing something as compared with doing nothing.

• It may motivate a person to engage more in a larger work-related project after a 10-minute brisk walk.

5. Consistency is Priority to Perfection

Regular activity, even a small activity is more effective than sink occasions of motivation. When you walk in the door and you don;t feel like it, that begins to progress.

Action Step: Develop an easy-to-follow everyday routine.

• Example: An obligation to write 15 minutes every morning whether it is inspiring or not.

6. Create Systems, Not Just Goals

Motivation is weak but systems offer order and turn the act into a matter of course. A good system keeps decision fatigue to a minimum and makes taking action into a habit.

• Example Rather than having a general plan like: getting fit, make a system such as I will work out on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, at 7 a.m.

7. Momentum Overcoming Resistance

The manifestations of resistance are frequently procrastination, doubt in yourself or fear. Momentum can get you out of a slump because it is not based on thinking things through.

Mantra: The action is the antidote to fears.

• Example: Are you nervous about making a presentation? Start with your first slide. Taking an initiative eliminates nervousness.

8. Don t just celebrate results, instead celebrate progress.

Small rewards will help in encouraging the behavior of action. As each day goes on, you do not wait to see any significant results, you keep on soaring because you have decided to think more of the results, than you see.

Action Step: Each night, before you go to bed record the three things that you have gotten done, however minimal.

• Example: read a chapter, sent an important mail? That is progress to be cheered.

9. Take advantage of the Snowball Effect

The small steps create momentum and ultimately bigger steps are made. This compounding effect has great results, over a long period.

• An illustration: put aside 10 dollars a week, and observe how your savings increase in a matter of months. One step at a time will increase confidence and make you want to save more.

10. Action is a Habit

Step by step, the harder you act, the easier it is to get used to doing. Eventually what may have been difficult becomes automatic and there is no need to become motivated anymore.

• Action Step: Develop habits through combining them with the ones we do.

E.g.: 10 pushups after you brush your teeth or note down some things after you have your morning coffee.

11. No More Waiting, time to Act

Most stay waiting to have the right time to do something and the time is hardly ever right. The best plan of action in many circumstances; especially when things do not seem great, is to start on them now.

• Mantra: better to do it now than later.

• Example: Do not delay till January 1 to begin a fitness program, begin with one piece of exercise today.

The Reason Momentum Works:

• Forms a Feedback Loop: Action breeds results, which drives a motivation to take action.

• Confidence: A little victory builds confidence every time reminding you that you can tackle larger problems.

• Bans Overthinking in Favor of Doing: The voice of momentum silences the chatter which frequently prevents action.

To Yourself:

1. So what is the minimal action I can take now?

2. So how do I get myself on becoming action-oriented where I do not wait to feel motivated?

3. How can I implement some habit or system that will allow it to be easier to act consistently?

4. What are some rewarding small wins?

Closing Thoughts:

Motivation can never beat momentum. Doing builds energy, gains confidence and puts you on track to your goals even when you are not motivated. The trick is to begin--whatever you can--and permit the momentum of things to have its way with you.

What is something that you have been awaiting motivation to accomplish and how could you start on it today?