Starting Momentum
This week’s Rivr Notes is about turning ideas into action—one small step at a time.
Take a minute and think about one thing you want to accomplish.
Maybe it’s personal—like running a 5K, signing up for a retreat, or finally finishing that novel you started three summers ago. Maybe you’ve been kicking around the idea of a side hustle, wanting to sell a product you’ve been tinkering with. Maybe it’s work-related—launching a new initiative, building out a new product line, or expanding into a new market. Or maybe it’s even bigger—like considering a career pivot or planning a big adventure.
We all have these ideas—these goals, dreams, “someday I will” thoughts. But if you’re anything like me, the hardest part isn’t dreaming them up—it’s getting started. Or more specifically: building momentum.
Let me give you a personal example.
For over a decade, I’ve had one particular goal on my bucket list: to complete an XTERRA triathlon. I’ve done a number of road triathlons over the years, but XTERRA races are a different kind of challenge. They’re off-road—meaning the race includes swimming in an open water lake, mountain biking, and trail running.
This year, I finally decided it was time.
Now, to get started on a goal like this, I use a very simple process. First: just do one thing. Literally one.
For me, that first step was some light research to find a race that fit my schedule. Once I found one, I signed up. Boom. Commitment made. I have a date on the calendar, and that shifted everything.
But here’s where most people (myself included, in past attempts) stall out. After that first move, the big picture rushes in: the triathlon distances, the travel logistics, the training plan, the gear. Cue overwhelm. Cue procrastination.
So instead of letting that wave hit me, I kept it simple.
Once you do your “one thing,” your next job is to pick three small steps to build momentum.
Don’t overthink it. Don’t start with the hardest part. Start with the part that gets you excited.
Swimming is my weak spot in triathlons, so naturally, I didn’t start there. I love mountain biking, so I picked two dates to hit the trails and one to go for a trail run. That was it—my next three steps.
I completed those. And guess what? I was officially in motion.
Next up: swimming. But I’m still keeping it light. No pressure to hit any crazy intervals or distances right out of the gate. Just getting in the water and starting to move.
From there, I’ll outline a more formal training plan. I’ll add in combo days where I bike and run, or swim and bike—to mimic race conditions. And eventually, I’ll build up to longer distances as the race draws closer.
But notice the pattern here: start simple, build gradually.
That’s the key to starting momentum.
If you try to begin with the most complicated part of your goal—or if you try to plan everything perfectly before you’ve taken the first step—you’ll probably stall. That’s common. It’s human. But it’s also avoidable.
Let me share one more quick example, this time from the Rivr Notes side of things.
I’ve always wanted to start a podcast to complement this newsletter. I have the idea. I have the name. I have a general vision. But launching a podcast? That’s a whole world of production, platforms, formats, equipment, editing… You get the idea. It can quickly become overwhelming.
So I used the same process.
I recorded one episode. Just one. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real. And it was done.
Then I picked the next three steps: experiment with episode formats, explore editing tools, and research hosting platforms. Each one was small, doable, and—crucially—progress.
That’s the magic of momentum. It’s not about speed. It’s about consistency. It’s about lowering the barrier to entry just enough to let yourself start.
So here’s my challenge to you:
What’s the one thing you’ve been quietly thinking about, but haven’t quite acted on yet?
Maybe it’s finally learning to speak Italian before that dream trip to Tuscany. Maybe it’s dusting off that camera and exploring photography just for fun. Maybe it’s writing that short story that’s been swirling around in your head for years. Or stepping into a leadership role you’ve been eyeing but not quite ready to claim. Maybe it’s launching a weekend project—something creative, something yours.
Whatever it is, forget about the full plan for now.
Just start with one thing.
Then pick the next three.
And before you know it, you won’t just be starting—you’ll be moving.
Forget perfect. Forget all-at-once.
Just start.
That’s how progress begins.
See you next week,
Brent, your Rivr Guide
New to Rivr Notes?
This is my weekly newsletter offering practical insights and fresh ideas on leadership, performance, and wellness. Whether you’re making big decisions, leading a team, or striving to improve, Rivr Notes helps you think differently and take action.
And the photos? They’re not stock images—they come from real adventures. Because the best ideas often come from staying curious, embracing new perspectives, and engaging with the world around us.
You can explore the full archive at: onrivr.com/rivr-notes