If you take the time to look up the word momentum, you will find the following synonyms: energy, power, strength, and drive. These words are all very positive in terms of one’s personal qualities. But what does it take to build momentum in your professional life? I firmly believe that momentum is created by the events, activities, and constant hustle done outside the public eye. Why not consume books, articles, podcasts, and videos to better yourself? It is through these activities that we will be able to answer the door when opportunity knocks. Similar to rowing, and laid out in Newton’s Law of Motion, the rate of change of momentum is proportional to the force applied. Imagine that you have been applying force, working hard, on the grind – you have built up momentum in your life. Now, how do you take advantage of that momentum and keep things flowing?
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to become an Executive Director over eight years ago. I had worked hard, built momentum and done everything I could possibly do to be offered the position. The offer came. I remember those negotiations vividly; my expectations and those of the company did not align and ultimately, we could not come to an agreement. All of that work, all of the professional momentum I’d built, came to a halt. The professional goal I had been working toward was no more. But rather than stall, I used my energy and my drive to continue to better myself. I consumed books, articles, podcasts. I learned to advocate for myself and when I was presented with a different opportunity to become an Executive Director, five years later, I was able to take advantage of the momentum and the opportunity.
Les Brown often states, “it’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” I hope you are preparing for the opportunities you don’t have yet. Opportunities can be fleeting, they can be here today and just as easily gone tomorrow. Take advantage of them. Each opportunity you take is what will likely produce your next opportunity, the one after that and the one after that. Seize those opportunities and don’t let anything stop you from building, creating or maintaining your momentum.