Momentum in Motion

Finding Focus, Embracing Growth

Welcome to a new week! If you’re anything like me, you’re still settling into the rhythm of January—getting back to work, finding your focus, and shaking off the lingering holiday haze. Add a bit of winter slump to the mix, and it’s easy to feel like everything’s moving just a little slower than you’d like. But that’s okay. Momentum isn’t something you find; it’s something you create, one step at a time.

As I’ve been working on dialing in my own systems for content creation and coaching, I’ve been reflecting on something I’ve noticed often in personal and professional growth spaces: the way people sometimes latch onto specific ideas, books, or personalities and treat them like gospel. Maybe it’s a “best practice,” a beloved podcast, or even a single book someone has reread a dozen times and declared their “bible.”

Now, don’t get me wrong—deep dives can be valuable. But here’s the thing: growth doesn’t come from idolizing a single idea. It comes from challenging it, experimenting with it, customizing it, and finding out how it fits into your unique context. What works for someone else in their situation isn’t guaranteed to work for you in yours.

When I see people getting defensive or argumentative about their pet concept—refusing to consider alternative perspectives—it tells me they’ve stopped learning. They’ve mistaken attachment for mastery. True growth requires humility. It means admitting that we don’t have all the answers, staying open to new ideas, and learning from all kinds of people, not just the ones we already agree with.

So, as we move into this week, my challenge to all of us is this: Let’s stay curious. Let’s stay humble. And let’s remember that there’s no “right way” to do anything—just the way that works best for you, in your context, right now. Learning and growing isn’t about proving you’re smart or being “right.” It’s about becoming a better, more connected, and more self-aware version of yourself.

Let’s build momentum together.

Deep Dive: Wrapping Up the 2024 Reading Roundup

Books have the unique power to shape our thinking, challenge our beliefs, and inspire growth. Over the past week, I’ve been sharing insights from the books that made the biggest impact on me in 2024 as part of my 2024 Reading Roundup. This 10-part series reflects on the ideas and lessons that fueled my personal and professional journey, with the goal of inspiring you to explore the transformative potential of reading.

Now, as we enter the final week of the series, I’m excited to share my top two books of 2024, celebrate some favorite re-reads, and dive into a special thematic focus on Brené Brown’s work. We’ll close the week with reflections on how reading has shaped my year and a look ahead at what’s next for 2025.

Here’s what’s coming up:

• Monday, January 13: The runner-up! My second favorite book of 2024, which left a profound mark on my thinking and leadership approach.
• Tuesday, January 14: The grand finale—my top book of 2024. This book stood out not only for its depth but for its lasting influence on my mindset and coaching practice.
• Wednesday, January 15: A celebration of timeless wisdom. I’ll highlight the books I revisited this year and share why re-reading is such a valuable practice.
• Thursday, January 16: A special focus on Brené Brown’s books, exploring the impact her work has had on my thinking and why her insights remain as relevant as ever.
• Friday, January 17: A wrap-up of the series, reflecting on how reading shaped my year and sharing my reading goals for 2025.

Why This Matters

Reading isn’t just a hobby; it’s a cornerstone of leadership growth and personal enrichment. Each book we read offers a new lens through which to view the world, helping us become more thoughtful, empathetic, and effective in our roles. By sharing the books that have shaped me, I hope to inspire you to embrace reading as a tool for your own development.

This week’s posts are designed to:

• Showcase the power of diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Offer actionable insights and takeaways that you can apply to your own leadership journey.
• Celebrate the joy of learning and discovery that comes from picking up a great book.

I’d love to hear your thoughts as we finish this series. What books made a difference in your life last year? And what’s on your list for 2025? Let’s build a community of leaders and lifelong learners who inspire and challenge each other.

Follow along this week, and let’s dive into the pages of growth, discovery, and inspiration together!

Deep Dive: New Year, New Momentum – Week 2

The beginning of the year is all about turning resolutions into reality. That’s why I created the New Year, New Momentum series—to guide you through the process of moving from reflection to action, and ultimately, to sustainable growth. Last week, we laid the groundwork by translating reflections into structured, actionable goals. This week, we’re taking the next step: building habits and systems that ensure those goals become part of your daily life.

The Focus for Week 2: Establishing Robust Systems for Lasting Habits

Habits are the building blocks of success. They’re how we transform big, ambitious goals into practical, repeatable actions. This week’s theme—Establishing Robust Systems for Lasting Habits—is all about embedding those goals into your routines, making progress feel natural and achievable.

Here’s what you can expect each day this week:

• Monday: Habit Stacking Workshop We’ll dive into the concept of habit stacking, where you anchor new habits to existing ones. This approach is a powerful way to create routines that stick, especially when you focus on keystone habits—those that have a ripple effect on other areas of your life.
• Tuesday: The WOOP Strategy for Habits The WOOP framework (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) helps you align your habits with your deeper goals while addressing potential roadblocks. We’ll also explore neurodiversity-affirming strategies to ensure the approach works for everyone, regardless of their unique needs or challenges.
• Wednesday: Personal Kanban and Time Blocking Visual systems like Kanban boards and time-blocking can help you manage your tasks and align them with your energy cycles. This session will focus on creating systems that reduce overwhelm and increase clarity.
• Thursday: Flexible Pomodoro Technique We’ll adapt the traditional Pomodoro method into a flexible tool that accommodates individual needs. Whether you prefer short bursts of focus or longer, sustained work sessions, this approach helps you maintain productivity without burnout.
• Friday: Gamification and Theme Days Making your daily tasks engaging can be a game-changer. Gamification and theme days add structure and fun to your routines, helping you stay motivated and on track.

Why This Matters

Creating habits isn’t just about discipline—it’s about designing an environment and systems that make success easier. Most resolutions fail because they rely too heavily on willpower and not enough on practical strategies. By focusing on habit-building this week, we’re setting the stage for long-term growth and sustainability.

These strategies work because they:

1. Build Momentum: Small wins compound over time, creating a sense of progress and achievement.
2. Reduce Decision Fatigue: Habits and systems eliminate the need to constantly decide what to do next, freeing up mental energy for more important tasks.
3. Increase Resilience: When systems are in place, you’re better equipped to adapt and maintain progress, even when life gets unpredictable.

As we dive into these strategies, remember that success looks different for everyone. What matters is finding what works for you—your goals, your context, and your life.

Let’s make this week about progress, not perfection. Together, we’ll turn your goals into habits and your habits into lasting success.

Deep Dive: Mastering the Winter Slump – Week 2

The post-holiday blues and winter slump can feel like a heavy fog, slowing us down and sapping our energy at a time when we’re expected to hit the ground running. That’s why I created the Mastering the Winter Slump series—a practical, 8-week guide to navigating these challenges and thriving in the often-overlooked first quarter of the year.

Last week, we focused on understanding and recognizing the symptoms of the winter slump. This week, we’re moving from awareness to action with immediate coping strategies that you can implement right now to combat those seasonal struggles.

The Focus for Week 2: Immediate Coping Strategies

When it comes to the winter blues, small, actionable steps can make a big difference. This week is all about equipping you with practical tools to feel more energized, focused, and positive—even when the days are short, and the weather feels uninviting.

Here’s what we’ll explore each day this week:

• Monday: Developing a Structured Daily Routine We’ll look at how a well-designed routine can bring clarity and consistency, helping you combat the disorientation and sluggishness that often follow the holidays.
• Tuesday: Boosting Mood with Nutrition What we eat has a direct impact on how we feel. This post will highlight dietary strategies to support mood and energy during the winter months, including key nutrients to prioritize.
• Wednesday: Optimizing Light Exposure Natural light—or the lack of it—plays a significant role in our mood and productivity. We’ll explore ways to maximize your exposure to light in the workplace and beyond, even during the darkest months.
• Thursday: Mindfulness Practices for Stress Management Stress tends to spike after the holidays as we return to packed schedules and looming deadlines. This post will share mindfulness techniques tailored to help you stay calm, centered, and resilient.
• Friday: Exercise Regimens for the Winter Blues Movement is medicine, especially during the winter. We’ll dive into exercise routines designed specifically to boost your mood, reduce stress, and energize your day.

Why This Matters

Seasonal challenges aren’t just personal—they’re professional. As leaders, professionals, and team members, the way we navigate the winter months directly impacts our performance, relationships, and overall well-being. That’s why these coping strategies are so important.

Here’s what they can help you achieve:

1. Enhanced Productivity: By combating fatigue and lack of focus, you can maintain high performance even during low-energy periods.
2. Improved Mood and Morale: Taking care of yourself sets a positive tone for your team and peers.
3. Sustainable Growth: These strategies build a foundation for long-term resilience, so you can thrive not just in winter but throughout the year.

This week is about creating the small shifts that make a big difference. Whether you’re struggling to find energy or simply want to start the year strong, these posts will give you the tools to move forward with confidence and clarity.

Let’s tackle the winter slump together—one actionable step at a time.

Closing Thoughts: Building Momentum, One Step at a Time

As we step into this week, let’s remember that growth, progress, and well-being don’t happen all at once. They’re built brick by brick—through the books we read, the habits we form, and the small, intentional actions we take every day.

The themes we’re exploring this week—whether it’s finding inspiration in great books, embedding lasting habits, or overcoming the winter blues—are all connected by one core idea: the power of consistency. Change doesn’t require perfection; it requires persistence.

If you’re feeling a little off track or overwhelmed as the year kicks into gear, give yourself grace. Start small. Whether it’s stacking one new habit onto an old one, tweaking your routine, or simply stepping outside for a few minutes of sunlight, every step matters.

And don’t forget to stay curious and open. Be willing to experiment, adapt, and even fail—because that’s where the real learning happens. Growth isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about staying engaged in the process and showing up for yourself every day.

I’ll leave you with this: This week is your opportunity to take one more step toward the life and leadership you’re building. You’ve got this. Let’s make progress, not perfection, our mantra—and keep moving forward, together.

Here’s to a week of growth, discovery, and creating your own momentum!

Warmly,

Edward Schaefer

Leadership Coach | Lifelong Learner | Advocate for Growth

#LeadershipDevelopment #WinterWellness #Momentum