Frequently Asked Questions About Momentum
What if my day is mostly meetings? How can I build momentum?
Even on a meeting-heavy day, you can find small pockets to build momentum. First, prepare for your meetings. Arriving prepared is a form of momentum. Between meetings, use the 10-15 minute gaps for “micro-tasks.” Answer one important email. Tidy your digital desktop. Write down your top three priorities for the next day. These small actions keep you in a state of productive motion rather than passive waiting. You can also “top and tail” your day: start with a 30-minute focus block before your first meeting and end with a 30-minute wrap-up block to process notes and plan ahead.
How strict should I be with my time blocks?
Think of your blocks as a guide, not a cage. The point is to make decisions ahead of time, not to punish yourself for deviations. If you are in a state of deep flow when a block is scheduled to end, it’s okay to continue for another 15-20 minutes if your schedule allows. Conversely, if you are truly stuck on a task, it can be better to stop, take a break, and switch to a different type of task to reset your brain. The system’s flexibility is its strength. The goal is progress, not perfection.
What if my first task of the day is huge and overwhelming?
This is precisely where an “ignition task” is critical. Never make a huge, overwhelming task your very first action. Your first action should be small, simple, and almost guaranteed to be a success. It could be “Open the document and write the title,” “Create the project folder,” or “Reply to my boss’s email from yesterday.” This small victory breaks the inertia and provides the psychological boost you need to roll into the larger, more intimidating task.
How do I regain momentum after a major interruption or a bad day?
First, acknowledge the disruption without judgment. It happens. Don’t try to force yourself back into a high-focus task immediately. Reset. Go for a short walk, get a glass of water, or do a 5-minute breathing exercise. Then, restart your momentum with a new, very small ignition task. Clear your email inbox, organize a few files, or make a list of what needs to be done next. The key is to consciously initiate a small, new chain of actions rather than trying to jump back onto a derailed train.
Can this system work with a simple paper to-do list?
Absolutely. The principles of momentum are tool-agnostic. If you use a to-do list, simply apply the same logic. At the start of your day, identify your top 1-3 priorities (your “deep work”). Then, choose one very small, easy task from your list and do it first. Cross it off. Feel the satisfaction. Then, move to your first priority. You can also “batch” your list items, grouping all your calls, all your emails, and all your errands together to be done in dedicated sessions.
