Study Momentum To Overcome Inertia

Apr.28, 2007 in General, Human Tendencies, Life Definitions, Rules of Living

I have studied momentum recently because of what I heard in the definition of momentum. I reproduce it here:

In general, the momentum of an object can be conceptually thought of as how difficult it is to stop the object, as determined by multiplying two factors: its inertia (the resistance of an object to being accelerated) and its velocity. As such, it is a natural consequence of Newton’s first and second laws of motion. Having a lower speed or having less mass (how we measure inertia) results in having less momentum.

So, we need to create some impact to our inertia on a regular basis, because I know we as human beings like to “stay at rest” most of the time. Procrastination, not doing what we were supposed to do… all these are instances of inertia at work.

In our Patterns of Excellence program, we always say that we have to keep moving and constantly focus on our outcome. Interestingly, an object in motion tends to stay in motion (according to one of Newton’s Laws).

I find this absolutely true in my life. Whenever there is a setback and I keep fighting the tendency to just wait and hold back, the better things get. The more I wait or procrastinate or remain disappointed, nothing gets better. So, my biggest asset still is creating momentum for myself.

Perhaps it’s time to apply simple logic and simple laws to our own personal development.

If you need to accomplish big things, you need to start small, build up your mass and increase your momentum in the same direction. It may seem tough - especially when you need to get people together in one cause and if you are a team. There’s a constant battle against inertia. Yet, I think once we maintain this, we can go further than before.

How do you build momentum in your life? Your career? Your network of friends?

It’s going to be a cumulative effect and I think I will be talking a lot more about this.

Maybe I’ll call it “Momentumology”. :)