Building Momentum: JB's Monday Momentum #28
"What I want to emphasize is this feeling and emotional reward that comes from building momentum. When you win today, you’ll naturally want to do it again tomorrow."
Estimated reading time: five minutes
Welcome to Monday Momentum, the weekly newsletter where I discuss practical wisdom, uncovering insights to enhance our lives one thoughtful moment at a time. While I have confidence in the ideas I write about, I am still learning them. I acknowledge that what works for me may not work for everyone. Take each idea as you see fit and let me know what you think!
Hello friends,
I find it funny how this newsletter has explored various aspects of personal development yet has never gone into the concept of momentum itself. I have felt the impact of generating momentum more than usual lately, so today, I want to shine a light on this force and its role in shaping our path to success.
Imagine starting your week with a small win—a deliberate action that sets a positive tone for the days ahead. This initial success creates a ripple effect, making each subsequent action easier and more impactful. It's not just about one day of productivity; it's about leveraging that momentum to build sustained progress over time.
If you missed the last edition—“The Curious Life”—you can click here to check it out.
A Question I am Contemplating:
Why is building momentum so important in my life and personal development?
Building momentum goes beyond checking off tasks or completing to-do lists; it’s about creating a positive feedback loop that propels you forward, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Beginning your day, week, or month with a small victory creates a forward motion. This could be as simple as completing a workout, having a productive study session, or even focused reflection. These initial successes don’t need to be monumental; they simply set the tone for what follows. Once you experience the satisfaction of winning the day, tomorrow becomes easier. Momentum thrives on small “wins”, and as you accumulate these wins, you create a force that carries you through challenges and toward your goals.
Today, I woke up early, exercised, studied, read, and wrote this letter. While these may not seem like extraordinary feats, they felt like victories. By the end of the day, I experienced a sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t only about the tasks completed; it was about the feeling of moving forward
What I want to emphasize is this feeling and emotional reward that comes from building momentum. When you win today, you’ll naturally want to do it again tomorrow. Identifying what a “winning” day feels like—whether it’s a sense of achievement, focus, or forward motion—will inspire you to replicate that success.
Why choose a day that leaves me drained and discontent when I know the joy of a winning day? After tasting the satisfaction of a winning day, why would I ever choose to go back to a day filled with defeat, laziness, or unproductiveness? I know the feeling of going to bed after a day where I failed to act, where I ignored what really matters. It’s not just about stagnation; it’s about feeling stuck. That feeling is far from satisfying.
Yes, winning requires effort. Yes, working out, reading, and tackling that to-do list can be exhausting. But that’s life—challenging and meaningful. The fatigue from hard work is different; it’s the kind of tiredness that feels earned, leaving me with pride instead of regret. It prepares me to face the next day with renewed momentum.
In contrast, a day spent procrastinating or avoiding tough tasks only results in wasted opportunities. A day dedicated to challenging myself, pushing through discomfort, and achieving—even small victories—yields a good day. It’s the type of day that creates momentum, motivating me to wake up and do it all over again tomorrow.
The beauty of momentum lies in its compounding nature1. One good day leads to another, creating a snowball effect that drives success across all areas of life: work, health, relationships, personal growth.
When we start embracing momentum, we open ourselves up to incredible opportunities for growth. Every task, no matter how small, becomes a building block for greater achievements. The more you experience this momentum, the more you realize the potential it has to move you closer to the life you want.
Quote (and question) on momentum:
“What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?” — Tony Robbins
Goal for the Week:
Continue today’s wins to tomorrow and the rest of the week.
I mentioned earlier that I had a winning day today. I will look to replicate this tomorrow and build off of today’s momentum.2
Kitchen Confidential — Anthony Bourdain (19% done)
What I finished Reading:
Hillbilly Elegy — J.D. Vance
I picked up Hillbilly Elegy out of curiosity about J.D. Vance, particularly after hearing about his nomination for Vice President. I didn’t know anything about him before, but his background and life story intrigued me. Once I discovered he had written a book, I saw it as a great opportunity to not only learn about Vance but also gain insight into something I knew little about: rural Appalachia.
The book delivered exactly what I hoped for. Vance paints a vivid and often intense picture of his upbringing, one filled with chaos, hardship, and resilience. The imagery he uses brings his story to life in a way that is intense but necessary to fully appreciate what he endured. It’s impossible to deny the power of his success story. Regardless of one’s political perspective, his journey from a troubled childhood to Yale Law School to vice president is nothing short of extraordinary. His determination, discipline, and willpower are clearly displayed throughout the book.
Overall, Hillbilly Elegy is an eye-opening, inspiring read that offers a powerful look at one man’s journey while shedding light on a community often overlooked. I give Hillbilly Elegy an 8.0 out of 10.
Favorite quote: “I don't know what the answer is, precisely, but I know it starts when we stop blaming Obama or Bush or faceless companies and ask ourselves what we can do to make things better.”3
What I’m listening to (one podcast, one artist, one song):
Honestly with Bari Weiss: What We Can Learn from the Ancient Stoics
Michael Bublé
“Meet Me In the City” — The Black Keys
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated for the next edition and feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Take care,
James
Letter #17, "Compound Your Life," explores the idea of applying the principle of compound interest to your daily life. This principle is one I strive to live by. I recommend checking out the letter if this concept interests you.
A winning day for me might unfold like this: waking up early, going to the gym, reading a book, studying, and doing well on my final tomorrow. Each of these tasks has become more manageable thanks to the momentum I built today.
This stems from the idea that many people today blame their misfortunes on factors that don’t genuinely affect them, creating excuses for their lack of success. Vance does not deny that external factors like politics or corporate decisions can impact us, but he emphasizes that it all begins with accountability. It’s about owning the fact that you have the power to do more to improve your situation, regardless of the externals factors that might be impacting you.
You killed it with this one bro, so much truth put so eloquently. Good luck with finals!