Momentum

I’ve spent the last five days in my apartment.  I’ve left twice: once to the bodega to get paper towels (next building over) and once for an early morning jog.  There's an unprecedented amount of uneasiness right now, and it's growing by the day.  I’m certainly not immune to this. 

I have, however, decided that the best (and potentially only) use of my energy is to focus on the things I can control and be super deliberate with my time.  I see quarantine as an opportunity to slow things down and reset.  It's something I've been nudging myself to do for some time now (refocus on the things that are most important) and have now ultimately been forced into. 

I am also hyper cognizant of the fact that this time abundance given the circumstances, coupled with tight quarters and no roommates, can be dangerous.  As a result, I've been implementing daily routines that center around productivity, wellness and ultimately, making me feel better.  The main idea I'm building off of is that Momentum is Everything.

I’ve become obsessed with gaining and keeping momentum.  It became more of a focus when I started Favor, but the realization came from my hoops days (long ago).  They say basketball is a game of runs.  And while this is largely just something analysts say because other analysts say it, there’s a ton of truth in it.  When I was playing, I always knew that a good practice or warmup would lead to me balling out in the game.  Not to say that never happened if I didn't, but the confidence I’d get from that series of prior, smaller victories, always manifested when the lights were on.  This idea surfaced in game too.  Making a couple easy shots early, allowed me to get into a rhythm and have that confidence of seeing the ball go through the hoop.  From there, the rim became bigger.

This same concept has been critical for me in isolation.  I treat every morning as my warmup or pregame. It sets the stage for the day, allowing me to accomplish small things right off the bat, that I can take with me to the next task.  Some routines may seem small (making my bed, meditating, cold showers), but each one sets me up for the next.  Then when it’s time to tackle the difficult, I’m riding a win streak.  This sense of consistent accomplishment has been surprisingly helpful these days.

Momentum also aligns directly with the Favor mission.  I often say that 'Apple Cider Vinegar is not going to cure you’.  While I do believe that is the case, our shots will most certainly provide benefits to improve your well-being.  The better you feel, the more equipped you are to tackle each task the day brings on.  Action begets motivation, and that one quick morning swig can make a big difference.

It's these smaller details, I've found, that are incredibly helpful in maintaining motivation and being able to stay focused on controlling the controllable.