Momentum is an incredible thing. As an athlete, coach, and salesperson I have experienced significant swings in momentum. I just wrote about not letting off the accelerator when times are good. I think momentum swings often result from doing just that. I have been ahead in games or matches and let my foot off the gas. The next thing I knew, my team was in a battle and sometimes would concede defeat. As a coach, one of my most frustrating experiences was helplessly watching my team lose a playoff soccer match. After leading 2-0 and controlling the run of play, we let down mentally, and our opponent gained confidence, and momentum that catapulted them to victory. Momentum is a very powerful force!
One of my favorite momentum stories was a soccer match in the Cape Cod Soccer League. My team played miserably the entire first half and trailed 3-0. In the second we came out working very hard and began to sense a shift in momentum. We scored at about the 73-minute mark to cut the margin to 3-1. Our newfound confidence led to another goal to close the gap to one with just eight minutes remaining. Just prior to that I blocked a shot heading into the goal that would have put the match out of reach. My effort gave us the additional morale boost to keep fighting.
As time wound down, one of the most brilliant individual plays that I have ever witnessed drew us level with about two seconds remaining in regulation. Our left-winger Jackie Brown, from Tufts University, amazed us all with a brilliant display of skill and composure resulting in the equalizer. During overtime we took charge and won the match 4-3; the single greatest comeback I have ever been a part of.
The lesson learned in both these situations was simple – never let off of the accelerator and you will keep your momentum.
When you’re against a momentum swing you have to ‘dig in’ and put in the extra effort to get that first small victory. Small wins are often the catalyst for growing confidence, which is the key to regaining positive momentum. Knowing that you are doing the right thing and being very intentional about adding value to others will most assuredly swing momentum in your favor.
Putting forth the little extra effort to care and show compassion for a patient will help them improve their attitude and ultimately aide their healing process. I have said many times, nurses can be a gift from God and can be the catalyst for that patient’s positive momentum.
As one who works to help healthcare organizations improve, I have experienced sales momentum over and over again during my 20+ years in the business. I have been a part of teams who have sunk to unsuccessful lows. The keys to our turnarounds were rooted in the belief that we were doing things that provided value to our clients. If you truly believe you are doing the right things, it will eventually become who you are and not just what you do. That is where the little wins always begin to accumulate. Then momentum becomes noticeable and manifests itself in larger wins, creating a whole new aura within you, your team and those around you.
Successful people are very consistent with their work rate, habits, and rigor. Those are the individuals that inspire those around them. When trying to build and maintain an atmosphere of positive momentum, it is important to be around over-achievers and to stay away from under-achievers. Just as momentum swings can win or lose soccer matches, they can have both positive and adverse effects on our lives and our work.
The bottom line is that our attitudes, and the attitudes of those around us dictate the momentum we build. ‘Digging in’ and practicing good habits in both our personal and professional lives can really swing things to our advantage. Finally, participating in an inspirational speaking, or helping to serve others is a great way to develop a momentum building habit that can affect your life in a very enriching way.