Breakthroughs Happen When Preparation Meets Momentum

Breakthroughs Happen When Preparation Meets Momentum

Ever feel stuck, like you're going nowhere? Discover the power of preparation and momentum, and how their fusion can lead to incredible breakthroughs in your life.

We all crave those "aha!" moments, those times when the fog clears and we achieve something we never thought possible. These are the breakthroughs, big and small, that propel us forward. But they don't just magically appear, do they? Nah, they're the offspring of two powerful forces: preparation and momentum. Think of it like this: preparation is the sturdy launchpad, and momentum is the rocket fuel blasting you toward your goals.

The Importance of Preparation

As many of you know, I spent 20 years in the music business touring with my band, Big Kettle Drum. Over those years we recorded almost a dozen albums. The most crucial part of recording an album happens BEFORE you ever step foot in a studio.

This time is what is known as Pre-Production. This is where you spend countless hours preparing and talking through what you want the record to feel and sound like and how you want it to impact the listener. You go through song structure and lyrics and rehearse relentlessly so that when you actually enter the recording studio...you are completely aligned and ready to go. Every second you are in there costs you money!

The more time you spend in pre-production the better chance you have of capturing the truth in the room while recording. That's the lightning in-the-bottle stuff that gives you goosebumps and those butterflies in your stomach that will drive you and build momentum.

Here are some tips for your own pre-production:

• Identifying your goals: In the studio, we would ask "What kind of sound are we aiming for? Are you going for a raw, live feel, or a polished, radio-ready sound?" What are YOUR goals? How quickly do you want to accomplish them? What do you want it to feel like while pursuing them? Be specific about your vision!
• Gaining knowledge: Do your research! We would listen to albums we loved and study lyrics. Where can you learn the knowledge needed to achieve your goals? What books should you read? What podcasts should you listen to? What Ted Talks should you watch?
• Practicing your craft: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! For us, the tighter our performance was going into the studio, the smoother the recording process would be. This means you need to take advantage of EVERY MOMENT, not just the occasional time to shine. Approach every interaction as a "rehearsal" to clearly express what you are working towards and help bring alignment with those who can help you reach your goals.
• Building your network: The success of our records were heavily influenced by our producer. Making sure they understaood what we were trying to accomplish and including them in crucial decisions was paramount. Who are your MENTORS that can add value to your journey and positively influence the outcome?

Harnessing the Power of Momentum

Ever notice how once you start ticking things off your to-do list, it becomes easier to keep going? That's momentum, baby! It's that beautiful snowball effect where small wins lead to bigger ones. Here's how to build it:

1. Crush Your Inner-Critic: Our inner dialogue will crush any chance you have of building momentum before it even has a chance to happen. You need to overcome that negativity and tell yourself what you need to hear. Remember, what the eyes see and the ears hear, the mind believes!
2. Create an Emotional Connection: You need to foster a sense of belonging, meaning or purpose to create an emotional connection. The more of these you can accomplish the stronger the significance will be felt and the more likely engagement will happen.
3. Share Your Moment: When we experience success, even a small one, we need to share the moment. Who should you share it with for maximum impact? Your team? Your boss? Your family? Social Media? Choosing strategically will catapult you forward toward your goal faster than anything else.

Breakthroughs Happen When Preparation Meets Momentum

When you combine thorough preparation with unstoppable momentum, you create the perfect storm for breakthroughs. Imagine a surfer patiently waiting for the perfect wave. They've studied the ocean, honed their skills, and are ready to strike. When that wave arrives, their preparation combines with the wave's momentum, resulting in a breathtaking ride...or so I've been told...I don't go in the ocean;)

FAQs

• What if I don't know what I want to achieve? That's okay! Exploration is part of the journey. When you treat every moment as a new opportunity, you can try new things, follow your curiosity, and see where it leads.
• I'm feeling stuck. How do I get unstuck? Sometimes, all it takes is one small step...or a massive amount of some kind of slippery gel. Let's start with the small step:) Identify a tiny task related to your goal and tackle it. That small win can trigger a chain reaction.
• I'm afraid of failure. What if I don't succeed? Rejection is protection. That is how I try to look at things. Failure is a part of growth. Embrace it as a learning opportunity and adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, even Colonel Sanders' chicken recipe was rejected 1009 times before finding a partner to start KFC! Do you have 1008 more failures within you to find your success?

Breakthroughs aren't reserved for the lucky few. They're within everyone's reach. By embracing the dynamic duo of preparation and momentum, you can unlock your full potential and achieve amazing things. So, what are you waiting for? 1007, 1006, 1005...

Burning Questions

Got a question or a story about how you're living out being a purpose-driven Connected Leader? Reply to this newsletter and we might feature you in our next issue!

Burn with Purpose is more than a newsletter; it's a community of driven individuals set on living a life with deliberate intention and meaning that creates an undeniable impact. Remember, you have the power to set yourself on fire with purpose - so grab a match.

Until next week, keep burning bright.

To stay ignited, subscribe to Burn with Purpose and join us on this transformative journey.

Brant Menswar stands at the forefront of corporate transformation, masterfully equipping both organizations and individual trailblazers to navigate the current work landscape and ascend to new heights of performance. He is a best-selling author, certified in the Psychology of Leadership from Cornell University, named one of the country's top speakers, and is well on his way to achieving his goal of helping 500,000 people discover their non-negotiable values.

His dynamic live events are a fusion of groundbreaking research and powerful narratives that ignite an emotional call to action among attendees. With more than a decade of strategic involvement with elite global brands, Brant has honed an unparalleled expertise in catalyzing connection, sparking engagement, and driving exponential growth.

Check out Brant's website HERE .