Loss Of Personal Momentum: Getting Back On Track

Have you ever set ambitious goals, felt motivated to achieve them, only to hit a wall and lose your momentum?

It's a common challenge, one we all face – believe me! Personal momentum is a powerful force that propels us toward success, but once it's lost, it can feel incredibly hard to regain. And while the beginning of a new year seems like a great time to build up steam, most of us emerge from the old year feeling tired, overwhelmed and just worn out.

No matter the reason, losing momentum can stall your progress and leave you frustrated. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you combat the loss of personal momentum and keep moving forward, even when things feel stagnant.

1. Give Yourself a Break

Don’t beat yourself up. Momentum ebbs and flows, and it’s completely normal to experience periods of stagnation. Acceptance is key to moving forward, as it prevents you from spiraling into self-doubt. Once you’ve recognized that you’ve lost momentum, give yourself the grace to take a break, reset and take action.

2. Revisit Your Goals and Find Your Why

Sometimes, we lose momentum because we lose sight of why we started in the first place. Revisit your goals and take a hard look at your “why.” Why did you set this goal? Do your reasons still apply? Reflect on your initial motivation and ask yourself if it still resonates. Are you still passionate about the outcome? Reconnecting with your deeper motivations can reignite your drive, giving you a fresh sense of purpose. Remember, it’s okay to pivot. Our goals evolve just like the rest of life.

3. Break It Down: Small Wins Matter

Overwhelming tasks or long-term goals can often lead to burnout, which in turn drains our momentum. When you break your goal into smaller, manageable steps, you make progress easier to achieve. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, break it into mini-goals. I would never run a marathon, even when I was younger and loved to run. But I can run a mile. And next week, maybe two. The smaller you make the steps, the less daunting the task becomes. And seriously, I would rather complete part of a task than nothing at all.

4. Avoid the Perfectionism Trap

Perfectionism can be a major roadblock when trying to regain momentum. You might feel like if you can’t do something perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all. This can stop you from even taking the first step, which means momentum never gets a chance to build. Instead, focus on progress over perfection. Take imperfect action – even celebrate it. We are all humanly flawed and the quicker we accept that, the easier it is to get moving.

5. Seek Support and Accountability

When you’re feeling stuck, reaching out to others can be a huge help. Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or even a support group. Ask them for a good swift kick in the backside if that’s what it takes. Accountability not only gives you a sense of responsibility, but it also provides encouragement and feedback. Having someone to cheer you on is great, but sometimes they just need to tell you to get moving. Sharing insights with others can help reignite your enthusiasm and keep you moving when motivation falters.

6. Change Your Environment

I know, you’ve heard this before. But seriously, I can’t tell you how many times a new
environment encouraged me to get going. And believe it or not, just rearranging your workspace, organizing your “stuff,” or changing the pictures on your wall will have a big impact on your energy levels and momentum. Color schemes, especially in the winter months are vitally important to our energy levels. If you tend toward comforting pastels, try revitalizing your environment with bright, primary colors. You don’t have to repaint an entire room, just add some new splashes of color – a vibrant throw or stunning vase filled with bright fresh flowers. If you’ve been stuck in a rut, consider changing your venue. If at all possible, head to a local coffee shop for a change of pace. A change of scenery can refresh your mind, spark new ideas, and give you a fresh perspective on your goals.

7. Embrace the Power of Patience and Count Your Blessings

Finally, understand that regaining momentum takes time. There will be days when you feel like you’re not making progress. That’s okay. Personal momentum doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be setbacks along the way. Take a breath and count some blessings. Then take another breath. Trust that your momentum will gradually build. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.

Final Thoughts

Losing personal momentum is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By taking small, consistent actions and re-connecting with your goals, you can rebuild momentum and continue moving forward. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making steady progress and being kind to yourself along the way.