How to Create Momentum

The Flywheel Mental Model

The concept we are going to explore today refers generally to momentum. Thanks to American researcher, author, speaker and consultant Jim Collins and Atomic Habits author James Clear, we have a way to define momentum into what they would refer to as “flywheels” or “pinwheels”.

Think of the toy we’ve all no doubt enjoyed at some point in our childhood

Flywheels move in one direction based on airflow. If you keep the airflow going, it’ll continue going that way indefinitely.

This is a useful mental model to use when thinking about priorities and actions. Each action you take is moving your flywheel in one direction or the other.

It’s a similar concept to compounding interest, only more immediate.

For example:

1. You go to the gym

2. Which makes you want to eat healthier

3. Which in turn gives you more energy

4. Which gives you the ability to work on passion projects or network with others

5. Which opens up new opportunities or gives you a sense of satisfaction

6. Which can bring more happiness, social connection and abundance into your life

That one positive decision led to a litany of positive latent functions, and once the flywheel is going, you have positive momentum on your side. All you have to do is keep blowing to keep the flywheel going, which is made easier by each positive action.

But the same is true of net negative actions.

For example:

1. You smoke weed

2. Which makes you tired and lethargic

3. Which makes you want to eat comfort food

4. Which makes you even more tired and lethargic

5. So you watch movies, play video games or listen to music

6. Too lazy to go to the gym or associate with others, you watch porn

7. Which results in post nut clarity and a sense of guilt

8. Which reduces your self esteem and makes it harder to associate with others

9. Which can further isolate you and lead you to smoke more weed

10. Which exacerbates the cycle

Each action you take can been seen through the lens of positive or negative fly wheels.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying life; even through the lens of weed or alcohol.

But are you using these substances to enhance your experience? Or numb your experience?

So the next time you feel that sticky feeling to engage in a net negative activity, ask yourself, “Is this activity serving me in the long run? Is this going to create a positive or a negative fly wheel for me?”

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great week ahead. And remember to be a little kinder than is necessary.