The iconic run of 2014-15 by former Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond, the Hamburglar, perfectly illustrates momentum.
With the Senators sitting around .500 and both starter Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner injured, Hammond was called up from the minors.
After going 5-0 in his first games, he led the Senators to a 20–1–2 record, securing an unlikely Stanley Cup playoff berth. This incredible feat was a clear display of how each win builds more momentum, leading to greater success, but also a testament to the unexpected potential within all of us.
From the outside looking in, successful people can appear to be special or lucky. It’s easy to believe that those who’ve achieved success possess some unique trait or fortunate stroke of luck.
Yet, what I’ve discerned from my own path in the entrepreneurial landscape is that success is rarely about a sudden stroke of genius or a windfall of good fortune.
It’s about the cumulative power of momentum, the kind that Hammond harnessed on the ice. It’s a process of building, of gradual acceleration, where regular individuals, through persistence and consistent action, achieve extraordinary outcomes.
momentum
noun
mo·
Definition of momentum
: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events
The Snowball Effect
In business, just like in life, momentum works like a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small, but with each success, it grows larger and faster. In my early days of web design and digital marketing, this principle became evident. Each project completed successfully added to my confidence and capabilities, building professional momentum.
The Mechanics of Momentum
This principle is simple yet profound: repeated actions lead to improved results. Consistency over time creates momentum, and momentum leads to success. As my business partner Eddy often points out, momentum is a two-way street. It can propel you to new heights or, if not properly managed, can lead to a decline.
- Repeated actions lead to improved results.
- Consistency over time creates momentum.
- Momentum leads to success.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve seen momentum play out time and again. Each small victory in my agency, whether it was a successful campaign or a breakthrough with a client, contributed to a larger pattern of success. It’s about stringing together these wins, no matter how small, and keeping the momentum going.
The lesson for entrepreneurs is clear: momentum is a powerful ally. It’s the cumulative effect of your efforts and the resilience to keep pushing forward. In my experience, the key to harnessing this force lies in consistent effort and the willingness to innovate and adapt.