Life in Motion: How Experiences Build Momentum and Shape Our Path

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One moment, we’re just trying to figure out which breakfast cereal to buy, and the next, we’re juggling new job responsibilities, finishing that long-delayed degree, or maybe even leading a military unit into uncharted territory. Each of these milestones—big or small—becomes a stepping stone, building momentum that propels us forward.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life weaving through varied experiences, from my early days as an enlisted Soldier in the Ohio National Guard to earning my commission through The Ohio State University ROTC program. Somewhere in between rucksack marches and late-night study sessions, I learned that every challenge I faced was secretly grooming me for the next one—like an invisible nudge pushing me toward bigger goals. You could say that life is an intricate quilt of experiences, and every stitch matters.

When One Experience Sets the Stage for the Next

Think of life experiences as dominos carefully placed in a row—each time you knock one down, it sets off a chain reaction. In my journey, one “domino” was completing five deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Those challenging and often unpredictable missions shaped my mindset about resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Later, commanding at both the Company and Battalion levels showed me how crucial it is to inspire and empower people, not just manage them.

It turns out, you can’t separate these experiences. Each success or stumble enriches the others. I like to joke that after jumping out of perfectly good airplanes (courtesy of my Airborne training), everyday work crises seem far less daunting. That might sound a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it’s true: facing one high-stakes moment often emboldens you for the next. Once you’ve jumped from a plane, a tricky spreadsheet at the office loses some of its terror.

Turning Experiences into Momentum

Momentum isn’t just a physics term; it’s a real-life phenomenon that grows with every lesson learned. During my time in the Army, I realized that momentum is fueled by three things:

1. Adaptability:?Every mission tested my flexibility. Experience taught me to pivot quickly, whether in a boardroom or a combat zone.
2. Confidence:?Earning badges like Air Assault and Pathfinder, and receiving awards, helped reinforce a “can-do” attitude. When you achieve one milestone, it emboldens you to tackle the next—like building blocks for the psyche.
3. Collaboration:?My role in the Strategic Initiatives Group for the Secretary of the Army showed me the power of working with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re an IT specialist, engineer or an infantry officer, shared experiences become catalysts for stronger teamwork.

Combining adaptability, confidence, and collaboration creates a wave of forward motion in your career and personal life. Each experience, whether it ends in triumph or teaches a tough lesson, feeds the next endeavor.

The Power of Reflection

So how do you harness this momentum rather than letting it fizzle out? The short answer: reflection. Taking a moment to process what you’ve learned—and maybe share a laugh at the more absurd moments—cements those lessons in your mind. Whether it’s a debrief after a company project or a mental recap post-deployment, pausing to acknowledge the journey turns raw experience into refined wisdom.

It also helps to be a little self-deprecating about your mistakes. If you can chuckle at that time you got lost en route to a crucial meeting or recall a “learning moment” from your first command, you’re more likely to grow from it. Humor keeps us humble, which keeps us open to learning.

Building Your Own Momentum

1. Identify Your Building Blocks:?List out key experiences that have defined your path—whether they’re deployments, promotions, or tackling a major product launch. Understand how each event has built upon the last.
2. Embrace New Challenges:?Life rarely stands still. Volunteering for new tasks or exploring unfamiliar roles can inject fresh experiences into your momentum. That sense of forward motion isn’t just for adrenaline junkies; it’s for anyone keen on growth.
3. Pay It Forward:?If you’re in a leadership role—whether in the military, corporate world, or nonprofit sector—use your accrued wisdom to mentor others. When you help others build momentum, you strengthen your own foundation of knowledge and leadership.

A Final Word on Humor and Growth

Let’s face it: life can be intense, and no one gets through unscathed. But if there’s anything I’ve learned—besides how to pack an impossibly heavy rucksack—it’s that humor brings perspective. A well-timed laugh can take the sting out of a rough day and remind us why we’re on this journey in the first place.

It’s not just about checking off achievements on a life resume. It’s about the cumulative effect of all those experiences: the training, deployments, awards, and even the fumbles. They form a life tapestry that gives us the momentum to face tomorrow’s challenges—whatever they may be.

So, whether you’re a seasoned professional, a fresh graduate, a military leader, or somewhere in between, know that every detour and victory adds a brick to the road ahead. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember: you’ve probably already jumped out of bigger planes, figuratively or literally. Dust off the humor in each situation, collect the lessons, and let your experiences propel you forward.

After all, life is a series of small steps and giant leaps. It’s the accumulation of each that gives us the drive—and sometimes the comic relief—to keep going.

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