Momentum stacking is something I do when I feel power and control ebbing away. We humans mostly like to be in control of our destiny, but like night following day, there are moments during the day and week when we try, yet cannot seem to walk up the mountain.
This happened to me this week. I was hoping to box off a project that has been in gestation since May of this year. I am keen to let this bird fly out into the world, but, to use another metaphor, we are still with the midwife at the hospital, waiting for the bundle of joy to emerge.
Meanwhile, I checked in on my own emotions and my desire to regain control over something that needs to unfold at its own pace. I am sure this example is relatable to all those driven individuals out there who have a list of targets and goals to hit. Then comes the big climb before the easier way down.
So this is where momentum stacking helps.
My first tip to anyone reading this is: STOP trying to climb when you sense emotional and physical fatigue. PAUSE and breathe. But those of us who are doers will find it hard to stay for a second longer in the land of pause! I know because that is something I consistently battle with. But there is hope, and there is a way through this.
Totally clearing the deck and allowing rest to enter our world is not easy, but it can be done with a mindful approach. Turn off those devices that cause sensory overload, put your trainers and coat on and, if you have a four legged companion like me, or even if you do not, go outdoors. Aim to do a two hour walk, ideally a circuit walk, with one focus: no phone, no distraction. Just observe the trees, the people, the noise and the sounds of being outdoors. That is it.
By the time you return home, you will be ready to replenish your ‘engine’ and feel that you have earned a rest. You have, by now, started the momentum stacking strategy.
Next, find a feel good movie or your favourite book that you can read in one go. Get yourself a cup of tea, sit down and focus on finishing it without any distraction. If it is hard to resist the mobile devices, and you are like me, put the device, or devices, out of reach. In my case, in the garage. Sometimes, certain patterns of behaviour, such as constantly looking to see if there is an interesting WhatsApp message, become so addictive that extreme ways to break the habit are required.
I am often surprised, after I finish an hour long movie or drama on the television via my laptop as all TV paid subscriptions were cancelled two years ago, by how I managed to watch it and be present at the same time without picking up my phone. Believe you me, it feels good to reclaim that focused space and simply be there for me. You will feel the same.
This is another step in momentum stacking. We build further.
Next, write a note in your journal if you keep one. I always recommend everyone keeps a daily journal, if only to note: what did I really appreciate today? What lifted my heart? What am I thankful for?
Language and focus go hand in hand, so mind the inner talk and flip it around when that talk sounds disempowering, such as, ‘Why haven’t I done this?’ or ‘I can’t…to ‘I know I am going to get this done’ or ‘I can or I have the ability to do this..’
In your journal, set two tasks that could move the needle in the direction of your dream, but which you have not had the time to action. Then get up, go to the laptop, write those two tasks down, give yourself an hour and focus solely on dealing with them.
Once done, tick off the tasks you completed. Write them down as a win on your whiteboard. Yes, some of us track every little thing to remind ourselves that we are climbing.
Notice the energy you gain from the mindful, focused rest and the focused approach to tackling something you wanted to do but could not get to.
That feel good sensation of having taken yourself to your own best space will allow you to keep building the momentum. Then you will look back and realise: ah, I just changed the situation from feeling that my power and control were ebbing away to, wow, I regained my power and control, my way.
I hope sharing this empowers you when you need to get on the momentum stacking summit.
Peace be with you,
Daxa
