Momentum - Friend of Foe!
The definition of momentum is the impetus gained by a moving object.
When you drive a car from a complete stop, it takes a while to get up to speed. Even a race car may take a few seconds to get up to 60 mph.
What happens when the brakes are applied? It takes a while for the car to stop. No matter how hard you slam on the brakes. That is one of the reasons we are advised to keep a reasonable distance from the car in front of us.
Use Of Energy
The amount of energy, meaning fuel consumption, it takes for a car to get up to speed is far higher than what is required to maintain a steady speed. Likewise, when the brakes are applied. It takes more energy to bring the car to a complete stop.
These principles of a body in motion. How does this apply to our Affiliate Marketing Business?
Effort To Get Our Business Going
Have you noticed that it takes much more effort to get our business up to speed compared to keep it running? Much like getting a physical object like a car up to speed. But once the car reached its cruising speed, it uses much less fuel.
We can all attest that it takes a great deal of effort to get our business going. When we get into a daily rhythm by making consistent effort, we develop good habits. Once these good habits get ingrained, it takes less effort on our part to keep everything running smoothly.
And that is how it should be. Momentum now works in our favor. It is our friend.
What Happens When We Slow Down Or Stop?
When we slow down by developing bad habits, it will take much longer to reach our goal. And if we stop, the effort to get going again takes a lot out of us. In this case, momentum works against us.
It will take much more effort to get our business up and running again after we slow down. And even more so if we stop.
What Can We Learn From Momentum?
It's common sense really. Once we achieve momentum in our daily business actions, we should not slow down. By this I do not mean neglecting other priorities in our lives. What I do mean is to continue to take those daily actions at the specified times we have set aside to work our business. When we operate with efficiency, we can do more with less effort.
Have you noticed that when you stop, or get distracted, it takes a lot of effort to get back up to speed? Hence, do not let up once you have your business machine operating efficiently.
How Does Wealthy Affiliate Help?
This program is designed to help us develop the actions we must do daily to become successful. The training encourages us to do additional tasks withing this community than just concentrating on writing posts. In many ways, we are in a university.
We have a curriculum that we follow that has several phases. Our teachers like Kyle, Jay and other experienced members are the professors. There are assignments and homework. If we do not do the work we get behind. It is like losing momentum. We have to work harder to catch up.
By interacting with others through the blogs, answering questions and the live chat, these actions contributes to keeping the momentum going. We do these activities in between writing our blog posts. I liken our blog posts to our thesis based on our subject - our niche. This body of work helps to develop good habits and discipline sorely needed in our business.
Eventually our blogs will yield new contacts and am email list that will require regular attention. The disciplines we learn here keeping in touch with each other by giving comments and responding to the comments of others in our blogs, will come in very handy in our website and Affiliate Marketing evolution.
Do You Agree Or Not?
You may agree with me or not. Let me know in your responses here. You may have discovered other means to keep your momentum going. If so please share as it will be helpful to other members in Wealthy Affiliate.
Keep your engine running at a crusing speed to reach your destination as soon as possible.
Recent Comments
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Completely agree Edwin. Getting up a full head of steam allows to move forward at a greater rate. Goal setting on a short, medium and long term basis can help with keeping the momentum up. That said, being mindful to be realistic is also paramount and that can work both ways.
Hi Twack,
You are on point. Each of us needs to find the speed that works for us. We are all unique and have different challenges. It is better to go slow and not stop, than to go fast and get burned out and stop for days.
I know you have found the cruising speed that works for you. I wish you all the success in the world.
Edwin
Yes sir, life is diverse and thank you. At some point int her future we will look back at these times with a fondness, knowing that we achieved our success and wouldn't have done so where it not for time we spent here, amongst friends with similar goals and ambitions. Of course, we can diuscuss that here, when that time comes.
How true it is. That's a great analogy. Maybe I have too meany gears to shift or maybe i'm not fire ring on all cylinders but what I do know is that I am not running out of fuel. Thank you for the inspiration.
Warren
Hi Warren,
The great thing about this business is you do not have to be firing on all cylinders constantly. In fact that could be counter productive. What is important is to pick the speed that is right for you and maintain it every day. And when you are able to add a little extra, do it. The secret is to not come to a complete stop.
All the best to you.
Edwin
It takes hard work to get started. I have many distractions. I try to use time I have for my business working as hard as I ca.
Hi Jojo,
You can only do your best. As long as you do a little every day, you will keep the momentum going. And when you can add a little extra, do it. All the best to you.
Edwin
I’ve just started, but I love the analogy. It makes complete sense. Thanks so much for writing this!
Bonnie
Hey Blynn,
You got this! I feel you're already ramping up to your cruising speed. Just keep the engine running and never stop! All the best to you.
Edwin
Totally agree with you. A fantastic way to engage us to work hard to reach our goals. Thanks. Have a wonderful weekend.
I agree with you., It takes much effort to get started but once up to speed its easier to keep the momentum going.
When real life takes over it becomes harder to regain the momentum.
Hi Linda,
Real life can foil our efforts That is why it is critical to select the speed that fits in with our daily lives. Making a little extra effort when possible adds to the momentum. Thanks for your kind support.
Edwin
Joe,
I appreciate your supportive comments. I hope you've found the cruising speed right for you!
Cheers!
Edwin
I totally agree Edwin. I believe that we should plan to travel at a certain speed, for some that may be slow or evenly paced, for others that might be fast. But we definitely need to keep the momentum going, no matter what speed we travel at
Jim
Jim,
I love your concept of each one of us having different cruising speeds. As long as we find the pace that is right for us and keep the momentum going, that is what will provide results, given the right amount of time.
Cheers.
Edwin
See more comments
Business, takes a certain level of agility, both mental and skill based.
Something that takes, fitness to achieve, the only way to obtain that fitness is to work it and work hard.
Dropping the ball can be like, making a coffee from a kettle that boiled half an hour ago.
So if we are to slow the momentum, we need to be aware of the consequences of doing so.
Planning as usual can be key.
Slowing, plan for it.
Seems to work.
Hi Alex,
I feel we all know what it takes to succeed. Or should know. The problem is not everyone wants to or is able to work hard constantly. Clearly those who do, achieve success sooner.
My message is for those who are challenged to make sure effort, no matter how small, is applied to their business every day. That is what will keep them motivated. BUT they have to apply additional effort whenever the opportunity presents itself to do so.
I like your concept of applying exercise in your business efforts. Since physical exercise works to make us more healthy, business exercise will help to make our businesses more healthy too.
All the best to you.
Edwin