One of my favorite pastimes as a child was swinging on the swing in the park. I remember not just swinging but learning to do acrobatics in mid-air with my sister sitting on the swing while I was standing. I would bend my knees and “pump” to get the swing going. The deeper I bent my knees, the higher the swing would go. It seemed to take great effort to get the swing moving and in the air at a good height. I had to be careful to continue to lean back in the swing and “pump” my legs so that I would gain and not lose momentum.
This childhood memory reminds me of the effort it takes to get momentum going in our business or in a new activity or endeavor. You will see that you are creating momentum before those around you. You can feel, smell, taste, touch and see this power and energy called momentum. Momentum is attractive and can be a leader’s greatest weapon. It is certainly easier to get others on board when you have momentum because everyone wants to be part of a winning, moving, growing business or endeavor. It takes time and massive activity.
So what are 10 “C’s” to building momentum?
(1) Commitment. Expect to work harder and longer hours initially to start your business or team. You must be totally committed and understand that it begins like a swing standing still. Everyone will not get on board initially, but you must be committed to the process.
(2) Comeback Attitude. Understand that you will experience obstacles along the way and so having a “comeback kid” attitude is a necessity. The ability to roll with the punches, the highs and lows, to continue to work on yourself, focus on the mission, and set correct priorities is of utmost importance.
(3) Connective Inner Circle. Continue to grow yourself, assess those in your inner circle (those that you spend the most time with, who have the most influence in your life, and who you allow to speak into your life), and make corrections where necessary. Surround yourself with people who are high energy, goal-oriented, focused, and who can connect you with like-minded people with different thoughts.
(4) Cheerleaders. Identify the balcony people in your life (those that will cheer you on in your endeavors) and draw from their enthusiasm of you.
(5) Command Your Day. If you don’t set your agenda, someone else will set it for you. This will require that you learn to say “no.” Remember: It is important you say “no” to the right things. Command each day.
(6) Consistency. Never stop. Do something of importance in your business EVERY day. Put one foot in front of the other each day. Marathon runners didn’t learn to run 26 miles in one day.
(7) Coach. Get a “coach.” A coach will ask you the right questions so you can discover your greatest thoughts and bring a level of accountability to you.
(8) Capital. Be willing to “literally” pay the price for what you say you want. Being cheap only gets you the “crumbs from the table” and will not lead to the development of a world-class business or team.
(9) Caring. Adding value to others will allow you to build your team. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
(10) Courage. Be fearless, courageous, and relentless. Don’t be afraid to fail. As author John C. Maxwell says, “Fail forward.”
If you do or access the above on a consistent basis, you will find momentum rising…your “walk” will turn into a “jog” and then into a “run.”
And finally, remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Now get moving!