Why Momentum—and Not Experience or Luck—Is Your Most Valuable Asset

Momentum is the hidden engine behind long-term achievement, often eclipsing raw talent or a lucky break. Just ask creators like Michelle Phan, who built a backlog of makeup tutorial videos before her Lady Gaga-themed clip caught fire on YouTube. When sudden attention arrived, she directed her growing audience to her rich archive, turning viral luck into lasting influence and a thriving business.

Contrast her path with Bear Vasquez, whose 'Double Rainbow' video became an internet phenomenon but, lacking a well of related content, saw his fame fade back to obscurity. Real-world data backs this up: investors value fast-growing companies, not static ones, and employees feel most satisfied when they have a sense of forward motion, not just achievement. Even the world’s most successful astronauts and entrepreneurs lose motivation when momentum stalls, no matter how high they’ve climbed.

Momentum builds from continual, focused action—a backlog of good work and strategic timing. When the spotlight finds you, the prepared capitalize, turning peaks into platforms and fads into enduring success. The formula is simple: keep moving, keep creating, be ready to nudge the ball forward when it starts rolling.

Focus on building a steady pipeline of work, contributions, or useful ideas, even when they feel unseen. When a break hits—whether from a viral post, a high-profile collaboration, or a wave of interest—rally your audience or supporters to spread the news, and quickly introduce them to your other offerings. Don’t rest at the first crest; leverage the new energy by producing something fresh and sharing your journey. This compounding energy not only fuels more opportunities, it also shields you from the letdown that follows sudden successes. Commit to making progress on your next backlog item this week.