Momentum is a wonderful (but high-maintenance) friend

Momentum is one of the very best friends you can ever have. She'll take you to higher heights than you could ever dream of reaching on your own, and show you what you're really capable of -- over and over again. 

But this friendship must be intentionally nurtured and maintained; otherwise she can turn on you and send you in the other (much less desirable) direction. 

Here are some ways to stay in the BFF zone with Momentum: 

• Create a morning routine that feeds momentum (notice I didn't say schedule -- just a cadence you strive for each day). Here's mine: 
  • Wake up, let the dogs out, and change into workout clothes
  • Get the dogs breakfast and see my twins off to middle school
  • Work out while watching the sunrise (usually 100 each of pushups, crunches, and squats -- split into 4 x 25-rep circuits)
  • Pray on paper, aiming to fill 3 pages and making note of inspired focus and action to complete that day (including topic for the day's blog post)
  • See my son off to high school, and get my youngest fed, dressed, packed, and onto her elementary school bus
  • Eat breakfast and finish any remaining writing
  • Shower and listen to a spiritual talk while getting ready 
  • Log into the computer, checking email and prioritizing tasks
    
    
• Plan and prepare ahead of time, working in batches whenever possible (examples include planning meals, having family routines that unify and build each other, etc)
• Seek and accept outside help (both human and machine) in order to boost momentum

This looks like a lot, but it actually flows really well... AS LONG AS I take these steps to feed my friendship with Momentum. For instance, notice that nowhere in the sequence above do you see "scroll my socials." I refrain from any social media time until after my morning sequence and highest-priority work tasks are done (usually doesn't happen until after lunch). This keeps my creative energy at its fullest power, whereas when I miss or ignore my morning sequence I find myself feeling like it's a lot harder to generate ideas and be productive. 

I don't share this imply that your morning routine or these other examples should look just like mine. That would be ridiculous. But I am saying that your relationship with Momentum can be a positive and productive one if you will take the time to design and commit to your own Momentum-building sequence/activities. 

What can you add to your morning that energizes you? What can shift in order to make room for it? I'd love to hear in the comments or inbox!