The definition of Momentum is the strength or force that something has while it’s moving.

Too often we don’t take advantage of being on a roll or in a groove when we’re making strong choices – i.e. “I’ve been running everyday for 2 weeks, I don’t need to go today.” Or “I’ve been so god with my eating habits, I can take just one day off.” Sound familiar? I know I’m capable of doing that all the time.

Instead, let’s see the value in the momentum we have while putting in the work and ride that wave as long as we can.

But, remember, we just need to do our best today. Yesterday is gone and there’s nothing we can do. Tomorrow isn’t here yet, so don’t even bother.

It’s about today.

Own your actions, but don’t get tied to your ideas.

We should all be responsible for our own actions, as no one else can make you do anything. Yes, I understand there are exceptions, but we must not drag the past into the present to determine today or tomorrow.

Therefore, when we take responsibility for everything in our lives we are taking a stand and saying to ourselves, “no more excuses.” The buck stops here!

When we look beyond ourselves in order to make – not only ourselves – but this world a better place, we move past our mistakes, failures and ideas that are holding us back from evolving. We’re able to separate ourselves from ideas, methods, and beliefs.

We learn to adopt the best ideas, strategies and approaches in order to manifest our goal. It’s not personal. It’s the law of cause and effect.

When we can let go of antiquated concepts that no longer work for us, we can move forward untethered with endless possibilities. The ideas aren’t you. It’s an idea. Let it go.

Eventually, every dog has his day. It’s funny to think that as time passes we all go from young green horns to seasoned veterans, whether we like it or not. I’ve been on this earth for 50+ years and I would love to think I’m going to live to 100 in great health, but the reality is there are more years behind me than in front of me.

That amount of time walking this earth has given me all kinds of life experiences to learn, grow and evolve from – if you choose of course. It has also given me some space between me and the next generation. It has earned me the honors of the younger people in my life calling my methods “old school.” I adore it. Even though it seemed like yesterday that the old men on the opposing team – while running up and down the basketball court – were calling us “flat bellies,” it would appear that I’m the old man now. It’s all good. I’ve earned it and do my best to leverage those principles and disciplined methods I learned from my father into tangible habits and a work ethic that brings my goals and endeavors to me in the perfect time.

Remember: there is no substitution for Grit. Never has been. Never will. Period.

Most importantly, don’t get bamboozled into thinking there is. Whoever told you that is a charlatan. Run from them as fast as you can.

Don’t talk about. No one wants to hear your grand plans. Keep your mouth shut and get to work. Keep your head down and mind your business. Talk with your game.

Buckle down. Show up and merely begin. Then repeat.

Oh yeah. Sprinkle a whole lot of Love and Laughter along the way. They make for some brilliant colors.

Night time falls over the land every 12 hours or so and we typically know what to expect. I have found some of my darkest hours – mentally – in the middle of the night. Either because of food poisoning, the flu and having strange dreams due to a high fever or waking up in a panic thinking about a project that has consumed my last several weeks.

However, the problems never seem to be quite as daunting after the sun rises the next morning. They haven’t left, but it feels like at least there’s hope. What has changed? Is it only because the earth is bathed in sunshine? Maybe.

Whatever causes me to be encouraged to move forward and face my fears, I’m grateful for.

It just goes to show that even in our darkest hours, that time too shall pass. But we must be in the game in order to watch the sun rise and transcend the darkness into light.

We can do our best to plan out exactly how we want our day, week, month or year to go. The chances of it happening just as you planned it are slim to none.

Did you put that in your plan?

Now what?

Re-think, revise and move forward. Adversity is a key element to our attraction of goals, deadlines and targets. Don’t get thrown into a tailspin because your plan is out the window.

Stay nimble, keep your head and make the strongest choice possible for the moment. It’s about staying engaged and pushing through more than anything else.

The rain will eventually stop and the sun will come out again.