P23: How to Regain Traction and Momentum When You're Stuck

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Reading Time: 4-5 Minutes

Welcome Back!

Can we agree that progress feels like joy and being stuck feels like slow, silent agony?

A few years ago, I hit a wall. Not the kind you see coming.

The kind that creeps in quietly, disguised as “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

I was deep in the trenches of my doctoral dissertation, and my brain felt like the beach ball of death.

You know, that spinning, taunting little rainbow that shows up when your computer is frozen, overheated, and flat-out refusing to cooperate.

That was me: spinning, stuck, and seriously questioning whether I could finish the race.

It was one of those seasons where traction felt impossible, and momentum had all but vanished.

Eventually, after some much-needed spiritual renewal and rest, I came back to something surprisingly grounding: basic physics.

Because here’s the truth:

THE MENTAL SHIFT: The Momentum Theory

Okay, indulge me in a quick nerd moment—and stay with me.

I promise it’ll make sense in about 30 seconds, and you’ll see exactly why this formula works… and why it can work for you, too.

In physics, the momentum (p) of an object—let’s say a moving train—is the product of its mass and velocity:

Here’s how to translate physics into powerful action for your life—whether you’re moving a business forward, writing a book, repairing a relationship, or recovering from burnout:

To bring this idea into everyday life, I borrowed from Dave Ramsey’s Momentum Theorem, which originally reads:

Focused intensity felt a bit abstract, so I called it Focused Action: Write 250 words a day. Every day. Eventually that became 500… 1000. The non-negotiable was “every day.”

The “G” factor is the “more-than-me” multiplier:

• Favor

• Timing

• Divine help

• The kindness of others

• Or those open doors you couldn’t have forced if you tried

In short, focused action prepares for hidden opportunity. No luck required:

PIVOT POINT: How to Apply It

Think of the area of your personal or professional life where you want traction and forward progress and apply the Momentum Theory:

When you keep showing up with Focused Action—consistently, over time—Grace has something to multiply.

We can’t force the hand of Grace.

But we can remain consistent and present—so when it does arrive, we’re ready.

I once explained this to my young nephew, and he said:

“Of course, God can do anything He wants,” I told him. “But you got the gist, kid.”

Choose Your Pivot: Focused Action Ideas

Momentum loves consistency—and it multiplies when you stack it.

You don’t need to leap. You just need to stack.

Start with one small, focused action—done consistently—and then layer.

That’s how you build traction. That’s how momentum grows.

Here are a few examples:

✍️ Writer or Artist

• One sentence a day → One paragraph a day → 500 words a day

• Over a year? That’s a book. Or two.

• Creativity isn’t a lightning bolt. It’s a rhythm.

🚀 Entrepreneur

• One “point” of Focused Action per day → then two → then three → then four

• A “point” might be: one warm lead, a sales call, one pitch, one sale

• Want to track it? Here’s a tool you can use

• Momentum in business isn’t magic—it’s math.

💞 Relationships

• One intentional check-in a day → One handwritten note a week → One “just because” gesture each month

• Focused Action in relationships = noticing, naming, nurturing

• Consistency creates trust—and trust builds everything else.

🔄 Personal Renewal

• One breath before you start the day → One walk without your phone → One sabbath per week

• You don’t have to earn rest. But you do have to make space for it.

• The soul needs rhythms, not rescue.

Thanks for reading this far!

Until next time,

P.S. Great news 🚀—I’ve got openings!   I rarely have space on my calendar, but this spring and summer I have a few speaking slots available to inspire your group and for one-on-one coaching (I only work with 12 individuals a year).

If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe now’s the time to get more clarity and direction…”—you might be right. Send me a note and let’s chat