We are nearing the end of the year and we are all starting to feel it. So how do we keep the momentum going during these last couple of months? Well, firstly we need to understand the concept of momentum. Momentum is gathered. We don’t jump out of bed every morning already on a roll. Think of it in terms of a game of pool; the ball doesn’t just start moving all by itself – you need to hit it with the cue stick first. And THAT’S where the secret lies; in that first hit.
The Japanese have an old saying that says: “start your day by eating a frog”. And if you understand the psychology behind it you really start appreciating those words of wisdom. We’re not going to go into an in-depth discussion of the biological process and all the hormones and chemicals involved (otherwise you’ll be reading ‘till next week), but this is the process in a nut shell.
We all have a daily to-do list and what usually happens this time of the year is that our energy levels are low and we feel tired. And then even the easiest task you don’t really feel like doing gets postponed and we start procrastinating. This is a terrible idea, because this decision actually has a physical impact on your body as well as on a psychological level.
If you look at your to-do list and take on the task that is the hardest for you to do or you’re least in the mood for first thing I the morning and complete it, your brain excretes chemicals and hormones that gives you a feeling of accomplishment. It is this feeling of accomplishment that propels you forward and starts the momentum. The same thing happens when you complete the next task, and then the next. So the momentum is gathered. And psychologically your brain has made a little memo; the task that seemed impossible to complete is actually done, so CLEARLY you are more than capable and can be productive and successful.
The opposite is also true when you find yourself in a state of procrastination or postponement; your brain is making a psychological note that you REALLY can’t do it and your brain is excreting chemicals and hormones at such levels that it makes you to feel discouraged and actually causes your energy levels to drop even further! And so begins a very destructive cycle.
So how do we keep our momentum? Simply keep eating those frogs first thing in the morning!
