"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." Confucius
How to Stay Motivated on A Path with Purpose
I don’t think we talk about this enough, so I decided to focus on it this week. Maintaining momentum is an essential part of personal growth and necessary for achieving our goals.
It’s a crucial aspect that we often overlook, but without it, our journey can become stagnant and unfulfilling. Whether you're striving for professional success, personal fulfillment, or both, keeping your momentum can – and will be challenging.
Not every day is going to go the way we intended. Our plans don't always work out as designed, and some days we're going to feel discouraged. But understanding and implementing strategies to sustain momentum can make all the difference in the world.
What is Momentum?
Momentum, as it relates to personal growth and living on purpose, refers to the continuous progress and energy that propels us forward. It's the state of being consistently motivated and taking actions that align with our goals.
Momentum prevents stagnation and helps us navigate challenges with strength, courage, and determination.
When we maintain momentum, we build upon each success, no matter how small. This creates a compounding effect that accelerates our growth and progress – like taking one step at a time to eventually cover a mile.
What Happens When I Lose Momentum?
Without momentum, we often fall into patterns of procrastination, self-doubt, and regression. Self-doubt and fear lead to stagnation, and even self-sabotage. These types of things stop us in our tracks and feel like the opposite of momentum.
I am a goal setter, a thinker, a planner and a doer. Naturally I have had many obstacles in my way. I do my best to catch my egos way of keeping me in the comfort zone, which is to freeze.
My pendulum swing is stagnation, so when I lose momentum and end up in the red zone, I can end up doing nothing if I’m not careful. If I don't know what to do next, I come to a halt.
I could sit there and wait for another day. Wait for another plan. Another idea… Anything that will let me just sit there. I know me. If I don't know what to do, I tend to do nothing. It’s fear; it’s stagnation.
But, I am able to see it. And, identifying our behaviors can work to our advantage. Recognizing and understanding the importance of momentum allows us to implement strategies to sustain it. For me reminding myself to do “just one thing” has helped.
I have learned to remind myself that even though I have the big picture in my mind, and something didn't go right today, there is still one thing that I can do to move forward.
How To Maintain Momentum with The Purpose Power Hour
Having a map is essential on A Path with Purpose. The Purpose Power Hour is a way to map each days actions, and the destination is our goals. Setting the day with intention allows you to consciously choose how you want to approach your day.
Rather than unconciously allowing external circumstances to constantly knock you off track, you can become aware of the things that are keeping you from achieving your goals.
By practicing the Purpose Power Hour, you start your day in the Green Zone, which is characterized by calm, clarity, and proactive behavior, rather than the Red Zone staete of stress and reactivity.
By dedicating just one hour each day to these exercises, you create a solid foundation for maintaining momentum. The Purpose Power Hour ensures that you're consistently working on you and your goals, setting you up for unimaginable success.
The 5 Types of Resistance
There are struggles on A Path with Purpose, and one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining momentum is resistance. Resistance can manifest in many ways, including physical discomfort, emotional imbalance, anxiety, making excuses, and spiritual struggles.
Recognizing and overcoming resistance is essential for maintaining momentum. There are five types of resistance:
Physical Resistance: Care for your body without giving in to the urge to quit.
Emotional Resistance: Address feelings of doubt and fear with self- compassion and positive affirmations.
Social Resistance: Stay true to your path despite external influences.
Intellectual Resistance: Challenge procrastination and avoidance with logic.
Spiritual Resistance: Remind yourself of your "why" to stay motivated.
Fortunately, there are many strategies for overcoming resistance, but the following tips are the best if you want to manage your ego, and live every day on purpose:
Practice mindfulness to become aware of negative thoughts and patterns. Mindfulness can include prayer, meditation, and reflection.
Use the Let Go Technique to acknowledge, allow, release, and accept what you cannot change.
Resistance is going to happen. Be prepared when it does by remembering the 5 Types of resistance
Name the Ego - The negative voice in your head isn’t you, and you can choose what you think. Separate yourself from the negative voice in your head. Remember it's the ego that wants to get you stuck. It's your true self that wants to keep you motivated. Learn to listen to your true self!
Closing the day with reflection and gratitude. Put a special journal by your favorite chair, or perhaps your bedside and close your day before you drift off to sleep at night.
Review your accomplishments and identify areas for improvement.
Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements.
Use your journal to document your reflections and victories. Write out several things that you are grateful for. The more the merrier!
You Can Maintain Momentum on Your Path with Purpose
Your environment plays a huge role in maintaining momentum. Do your best to surround yourself with positive influences and create a workspace that minimizes distractions and promotes imagination and productivity.
Build relationships with people who support you and encourage your goals.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle focusing on nutrition, exercise, and self-care.
Flexibility and adaptability are key to maintaining momentum, especially when faced with setbacks. Life is unpredictable, and the ability to adjust your plans and goals without losing sight of your purpose is crucial for long-term success. Keep your “why” in front of you. It’s the driving force that keeps you going. Remind yourself regularly of why you started and why it’s important to keep moving forward.
I hope this helps, you really can sustain your momentum and achieve your goals. Remember to start your day with the Purpose Power Hour, set your day with intention, recognize and overcome resistance, reflect on your progress, build a supportive environment, and stay flexible and adaptable. Maintaining momentum is a continuous process that requires dedication and self-awareness, but it leads to long-term growth and fulfillment.
God bless you and remember,
Live every day on purpose.
🩵
Peggy with Purpose