“The important thing is to take your time and not get stressed.”— Diane von Furstenberg
You know that feeling at the start of something new? It’s like finding the perfect skincare routine—exciting, full of promise, and with a touch of trepidation because you just know there’s going to be a purging phase. You dive in headfirst, convinced that this is it, the thing that will finally transform your life. Everything feels fresh and thrilling, like a luxurious new moisturizer that promises to erase a decade of questionable life choices. And then—BAM!—life happens.
In my case, life came in the form of me taking an elegant (read: absolutely ridiculous) tumble and breaking my nose earlier this week. Now, if you’ve never broken your nose before, let me tell you—it’s not as glamorous as movies make it look. No one handed me a heroic backstory, just a swollen face and an urgent need for ice packs. More importantly, it threw a big, fat, unwelcome wrench into my plans.
I had momentum. I was on a roll! I had a list of actions, goals, and targets, and I was checking them off like a productivity ninja. And then, suddenly, I wasn’t. It’s funny how easily momentum can disappear, like a Wi-Fi connection in the middle of an important Zoom call. One minute, you’re unstoppable; the next, you’re staring at your to-do list like it personally offended you.
This got me thinking—there’s got to be some science equation that explains what happens when momentum runs into an unexpected force (like the windscreen of a motorbike, in my case). Something about kinetic energy being dispersed and me, metaphorically (and literally), face-planting into a full stop.
So now what? How do we get back on track when the universe seems determined to turn us into human pinballs?
Step One: Ignore the Targets (Temporarily, of Course)
The world seems to have this obsession with constant productivity. We have to be producing, achieving, and moving forward every single second of every single day, or we’re slacking off. No rest, no detours—just relentless, high-speed efficiency!
And honestly? That’s exhausting. Hello, burnout!!!
With any new project, we need to be realistic. We can see the end goal, sure, but we also have to acknowledge where we’re starting from. And sometimes, where we’re starting from is a place of setbacks, distractions, or a temporarily broken face. I’m still learning how to fix my website, for example, and no amount of glaring at HTML code has magically transformed me into a tech wizard. But if I keep at it, piece by piece, it’ll all come together. The key is to let things evolve naturally and accept that progress isn’t always linear—it’s more like a skincare routine: full of unexpected breakouts, some trial and error, and eventually, the glow-up you were hoping for.
Step Two: Stop Stressing and Start Laughing
Let’s be honest—when we’re stressed, we don’t actually get more done. We just get more distracted. Ever noticed how, when faced with a big important task, suddenly every other small, irrelevant task seems urgent? Oh, I can’t work on my project yet—I need to reorganise my spice rack. Haven’t dusted the top of the fridge in a while? Better do that first! And before you know it, you’re alphabetising books you never plan to read instead of tackling what actually matters.
Here’s the trick: instead of trying to force yourself back into momentum, give yourself permission to ease back in. Take a breather. Find the humour in your situation. Remind yourself why you started in the first place. For me, that “why” is happiness, passion, and purpose (and the hope that I’ll eventually figure out my website before it turns into an accidental 90s-style nightmare).
Step Three: Redefine Success
Maybe success isn’t always about hitting every target with military precision. Maybe it’s about showing up, learning, and finding joy in the process—even when that process involves some detours, some setbacks, and the occasional need for an ice pack.
Step Four: Celebrate Tiny Wins
Progress isn’t always about massive leaps—it’s often about the tiny steps forward that add up over time. Maybe today, all you managed was opening your laptop and staring at the screen for five minutes. That counts. Did you cross one thing off your list? Fantastic! Give yourself credit for the little victories, because they’re what build lasting progress.
Step Five: Visualise the End Result
Picture how it will feel when you reach your goal. Imagine the satisfaction, the relief, or the celebratory glass of wine you’ll be sipping. Sometimes, a little daydreaming can reignite your drive. If you can see it, you’re more likely to work towards it, even if the journey isn’t perfectly smooth.
Step Six: Find an Accountability Buddy
Everything is easier (and way funnier) when you’ve got someone to check in with. Bonus points if they’re also prone to distraction so you can laugh about your mutual procrastination. A friend, a coach, or even a virtual group can help keep you on track while making the journey more enjoyable.
Step Seven: Give Yourself Permission to Pivot
If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust. Maybe the goal needs tweaking, maybe the timeline is unrealistic, or maybe you just need a snack before diving back in. Allowing yourself to change course is not failure—it’s wisdom.
So if you’re feeling like you’ve lost momentum, don’t panic. Don’t let the pressure build up until you explode like an overfilled balloon. Take your time. Enjoy the ride. Trust that the spark will come back when it’s ready.
And, in the meantime, maybe stay upright. Your nose will thank you.
