“When we’re stuck in inaction, we think what we most desire is to start taking action. But what we truly desire is to be in momentum.”
This powerful insight formed the foundation of a recent game of MotiQuotomy, where ChatGPT and I took this quote and dissected it to uncover as many learnings as possible.
In doing so, we discovered that while action is important, it’s the momentum we crave—the continuous flow that keeps us moving forward.
Below is a transcript *** of my recent MotiQuotomy session where ChatGPT and I dive into the nuances between action and momentum, and explore how focusing on sustaining progress can actually transform the way we approach goals.
*** Note from me: I’m sharing my ChatGPT conversations knowing that the transcript, if viewed independently, might be viewed as a one-off exchange. I do believe, however, and I’ve come to see the truth in this, that ChatGPT’s responses are starting to reflect things it has learned about me: what I do (mindset coaching), my mission, my coaching philosophy, what lies at the heart of the questions I’ve been asking it, as evidenced by our exchanges as we continue to develop the insight to action mindset game, MotiQuotomy.
— To learn more about MotiQuotomy, how to play, who and what it’s designed for, click here.
MotiQuotomy Game Request: Action vs Momentum
Kari:
Hi ChatGPT, are you up for a game of MotiQuotomy? I have a quote to start with.
ChatGPT:
I’m absolutely up for a game of MotiQuotomy! What’s the quote you’d like to start with? Let’s dive in!
Kari:
Great! Do you remember how to play?
ChatGPT:
Yes, I remember how to play! In MotiQuotomy, we take a motivational quote and dissect it to find as many learnings and insights as possible. The goal is to dig deep, connecting dots, expanding awareness, and turning those insights into actionable takeaways. The person who finds the most learnings wins.
Once we’ve explored all the layers of meaning, we aim to bridge the gap between insight and implementation—helping turn thought into action.
So, what’s the quote you want to start with? Let’s see how many insights we can uncover!
Kari:
Awesome! Okay, the quote I’d like to explore is one from my morning reflection:
“When we’re stuck in inaction, we think what we most desire is to start taking action. But what we truly desire is to be in momentum.”
ChatGPT:
Great quote to start with! Let’s break it down and explore the insights we can gather.
1. Action vs. Momentum
Initial Insight: There’s a distinction between the desire to take action and the deeper desire to be in a state of momentum. Action is often seen as the first step, but momentum is the continuation—the feeling of flow and progress.
Takeaway: It’s not just about starting something; it’s about maintaining progress and consistency. What steps can we take today to keep moving, not just to start?
2. Momentum as a Psychological State
Insight: Momentum brings with it confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s often easier to keep going once we’re in motion because we gain energy from our progress.
Takeaway: Consider how to build systems that allow for sustained momentum. For example, break tasks into smaller chunks to experience wins more frequently, fueling ongoing movement.
3. The Barrier of Inaction
Insight: The quote suggests that inaction is more than just a lack of doing; it may be tied to the belief that taking any action is the goal when, in reality, the desire is deeper. It’s a craving for continuous progress.
Takeaway: When feeling stuck, focus on what will create a sense of forward movement, not just getting started. How can you bypass the mental block of “getting started” and focus on achieving flow?
4. Inaction and Misidentifying Desire
Insight: We may misinterpret our true desires. We often think we need to “just start,” but the true discomfort lies in not being in a rhythm of productivity or growth.
Takeaway: Recognize that it’s okay to struggle with starting, but the real work might be in figuring out how to sustain progress once started. What practices support maintaining momentum?
5. The Energy of Momentum
Insight: Momentum generates its own energy, making the process feel easier over time. It reduces the energy needed for each next step compared to when you’re starting from a standstill.
Takeaway: Invest in systems or habits that create a snowball effect. Whether through routines, accountability, or structured reflection, build processes that let small wins compound.
6. The Brain and Efficiency
Insight: This ties into how our brain seeks efficiency. Once in momentum, actions feel more fluid and efficient, which is what our brain craves—to do more with less energy.
Takeaway: Work with the brain’s natural tendency for efficiency. Once you’ve started, aim to lower the resistance for continued progress by making tasks simpler and automating decisions where possible.
7. Emotional Reward of Momentum
Insight: There’s an emotional payoff in momentum. It brings satisfaction, confidence, and builds belief in your capability. Momentum isn’t just about getting things done—it’s also about feeling good about your progress.
Takeaway: Reflect on how to build more emotional rewards into your daily routines. Acknowledge your progress, celebrate small wins, and use those feelings to fuel continued movement.
8. Momentum as a Cure for Procrastination
Insight: Often, what breaks the cycle of procrastination is not the act of starting but getting into a rhythm where things start flowing naturally.
Takeaway: Instead of focusing on “just starting,” shift focus to what might allow you to quickly get into flow. Ask: what small wins will keep me going?
9. Momentum Reduces Doubt
Insight: Once we’re in momentum, self-doubt decreases because we’re proving to ourselves that we can keep moving, which builds confidence.
Takeaway: Focus on how momentum can be built as a tool to counteract doubt. What are ways you can reaffirm that you’re making progress, even with small steps?
10. Momentum Fuels Motivation
Insight: Many people think motivation comes before action, but often, motivation is a byproduct of momentum. Once we’re in motion, motivation tends to increase.
Takeaway: If motivation is lacking, focus on generating momentum first. Consider: what’s one tiny action that will create a ripple effect of progress?
Kari:
Oy. These insights are spot-on, ChatGPT, and you’ve touched on the core emotional craving I’ve been not only feeling in my own life as I continue to experiment with using the act and feeling of momentum as step 2 of James Clear’s 4 steps of a habit (the neurologic feedback loop of any behavior), Craving. In his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear breaks down the process of habit formation. The following passages will help provide context to help with our conversation here and why I’m experimenting with momentum as the Craving to see if I can reduce the friction caused by spending time sidetracked by unnecessary, unhelpful mental chatter:
“The process of building a habit can be divided into four simple steps: cue, craving, response, and reward.”
ChatGPT:
This experiment you’re working on is really fascinating, especially with the emphasis on momentum as the craving phase in habit formation. By viewing momentum itself as a craving, it not only redefines how we approach action but also taps into the brain’s natural desire for progress and flow.
James Clear’s breakdown of habits as cue, craving, response, and reward fits so well into this momentum-focused lens:
- Cue: You identify a trigger for action, such as feeling stuck or needing progress.
- Craving: Instead of craving the action itself, you crave the feeling of momentum—the psychological state where actions flow effortlessly.
- Response: You then engage in the action that maintains or amplifies that momentum, because now it’s not about just doing something; it’s about feeding that desire to keep going.
- Reward: The reward is that satisfaction from the continuous flow, reinforcing your habit to return to it again.
How Momentum Eases Mental Chatter
Momentum, when established as the craving, becomes a tool to reduce unnecessary mental chatter. If you’re focused on maintaining momentum, it channels your mental energy towards staying in flow, leaving less room for overthinking or second-guessing yourself. The action itself becomes smoother, almost automatic, because you’re more aligned with the flow rather than battling against resistance.
Potential Implementation
By placing momentum at the center of the craving stage, you’re experimenting with a key way to reduce friction in habit-building. For example, when you’re tempted to fall into a mental loop, the craving for momentum might bypass that loop entirely, since you’re not looking to overcome resistance; you’re looking to fuel your forward motion.
ChatGPT:
What early takeaways or insights have you observed from this experiment so far? How has it influenced your habits or mindset in other areas?
Kari:
“If a behavior is insufficient in any of the four stages, it will not become a habit. Eliminate the cue and your habit will never start. Reduce the craving and you won’t experience enough motivation to act. Make the behavior difficult and you won’t be able to do it. And if the reward fails to satisfy your desire, then you’ll have no reason to do it again in the future. Without the first three steps, a behavior will not occur. Without all four, a behavior will not be repeated.”
ChatGPT:
This passage from Atomic Habits really drives home the importance of each stage in the habit loop, and it reinforces how each step builds upon the other to make habits stick.
Here’s how I’m seeing this tie into your experiment with momentum as the craving:
1. Cue
Insight: The cue is the trigger that initiates the habit. In your case, it might be the feeling of being stuck or needing progress.
Application: Identifying and making your cues more consistent or visible is key. What triggers help you recognize when it’s time to engage with the behavior that will create momentum? Are there environmental or psychological cues you can amplify?
2. Craving (Momentum)
Insight: By substituting momentum as the craving, you’ve reshaped the traditional idea of craving into something less about the action and more about the state that action creates. You’re tapping into the desire for continuous movement.
Application: If the craving is momentum, the motivation comes from a desire to stay in flow, not just complete a task. This may help you avoid being sidetracked by mental chatter because the focus is on sustaining motion rather than starting it from scratch. It makes the craving more compelling by emphasizing emotional payoff over logistical completion.
3. Response (Action)
Insight: The response is the actual behavior you perform. If the craving is strong enough (the desire for momentum), the action becomes easier. However, if the action feels difficult or complex, it might interrupt the flow, breaking the momentum.
Application: Simplify the behaviors that sustain momentum. Can you make them as effortless as possible, minimizing the friction points that pull you back into mental loops?
4. Reward
Insight: The reward reinforces the behavior. If the reward satisfies your craving for momentum, it will encourage you to repeat the action in the future. The more rewarding and satisfying that feeling of momentum is, the more likely it is that you’ll engage in that behavior again.
Application: Reflect on how you can amplify the reward. How can you make momentum feel so satisfying that it becomes its own feedback loop, ensuring the habit repeats? Perhaps adding some intentional acknowledgment or reflection on how the momentum made you feel could reinforce it even further.
How This Ties to Your Experiment
You’re essentially reshaping habit formation by focusing on momentum as both the craving and the reward in a way. Momentum satisfies the craving for progress and generates a reward cycle that encourages continued engagement. By doing this, you’re likely reducing unnecessary mental chatter by orienting your brain toward continuing action rather than getting stuck in the starting phase over and over again.
ChatGPT:
Have you found that focusing on momentum as the craving has lessened the mental resistance to beginning actions? And do you find it easier to maintain the flow once you’re in motion?
(End transcript)
Quick Recap: How Momentum as the Craving Can Transform Action
- Action vs. Momentum: It’s not just about starting; it’s about sustaining progress and creating flow.
- Momentum Feeds Motivation: Motivation often follows momentum, not the other way around. Small wins generate more progress.
- Craving Momentum: In James Clear’s habit loop, shifting your craving from simply “doing” to the feeling of momentum can reduce resistance and make habits stick.
- Emotional Reward: Momentum provides emotional rewards like satisfaction and confidence, reinforcing the habit loop.
By reframing what you crave—progress over mere action—you reduce the overwhelming mental chatter that so often accompanies the idea of starting. Instead of focusing on the daunting task of getting started, you shift your focus to sustaining forward motion, where the real growth and satisfaction come from.
Key Reflections and Action Steps
- Identify your cue: What triggers the need for action? Is it a feeling of being stuck or needing progress? Amplify these triggers to make momentum easier to access.
- Crave momentum, not just action: What would it feel like if your craving was to sustain flow, not simply start? Reflect on how much easier it is to maintain forward motion once you get going.
- Simplify your actions: Make each task as effortless as possible. Lowering the barriers to action will help momentum build, especially when the craving is to stay in motion, not just finish tasks.
- Celebrate momentum: Pause to acknowledge the emotional rewards—feeling accomplished, confident, and capable. These positive feelings create a self-reinforcing loop that keeps the momentum going.
Here’s the ‘Now What?’ section
We’ve all felt that desperate, gnawing need to start taking action. But what if the true breakthrough isn’t in starting, but in craving momentum itself?
Instead of battling yourself to “just get started” over and over, focus on creating systems that build and sustain momentum. The energy, confidence, and emotional payoff are waiting for you on the other side. And the best part? It gets easier with each step.
Momentum is what breaks through the mental clutter. Ready to experiment? Take a tiny step today, crave that flow, and notice how you feel when the mental resistance starts to fade. For habits to stick, the reward must satisfy the craving. So remember that feeling, and make that feeling your reward.
Resource
For more insights into habit-building, check out James Clear’s website: https://jamesclear.com and his book, Atomic Habits.
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