Blog: 3 Mental Shifts that Stop Momentum Killers drdarmayweather.com

3 Mental Shifts That Stop Momentum Killers in Their Tracks

July 22, 20254 min read

There was a moment in 2024 when I lost all momentum as a speaker.

After 7 years with a speaking agency, I found myself standing alone, no gigs coming in, no commitment from the people I asked for support, and no clear path forward. For a while, I questioned everything: Was I meant to do this? Had my voice stopped making an impact?

But God had other plans. He led me to the Next Level Speakers Academy, a community of speakers, many of whom look like me, who reminded me of my purpose and the power of consistency. That experience taught me something I’ll never forget:

Momentum is not about never falling; it’s about how quickly you get back up and keep moving.

The truth is, momentum killers- like self-doubt, overwhelm, and loss of purpose- will show up for all of us. But you can stop them in their tracks with the right mental shifts. Here are three I use (and continue to work on daily) to keep my momentum alive.

Momentum Killer #1: Lack of Belief

When you don’t believe in yourself, momentum slows to a crawl. I know because I’ve been there.

In my low season, I scrolled through social media, watching other speakers fill their calendars with events while mine was empty. I started comparing my Chapter 5 to someone else’s Chapter 20, which will crush your belief every single time.

The Mental Shift: Stop comparing and start acknowledging your wins.
Your belief grows when you remember what you’ve already overcome. The fact that you’re still standing means you have a story, a strength, and a skill set worth sharing.

Action Step:
Take 5 minutes every Monday to list three wins you’ve had in the last week, no matter how small. Did you finish a project? Have a tough conversation? Take a step toward your goal? Please write it down. These wins are your evidence that you’re capable of building momentum again.

Momentum Killer #2: Overwhelm from Managing Life & Goals

This one? I’m still working on it. Life is busy, especially when balancing family, multiple jobs, and big dreams. Overwhelm can freeze your momentum because everything feels like “too much” all at once.

The Mental Shift: Execution beats perfection.
When you’re trying to do everything, it’s easy to get stuck waiting for the “perfect” plan. But momentum grows when you take the next step. Done is always better than pursuing perfect.

Action Step:
Use the Rule of 3. Pick three priorities you can realistically get done each day, and focus on those. If you finish them, that’s a win. Over time, these small, intentional actions compound into significant results.

Momentum Killer #3: Lack of Purpose (No Why)

It's easy to quit when you don’t have a clear reason for what you’re doing. You don’t just need goals, you need a mission.

The Mental Shift: Anchor your momentum to a mission.
My mission is to help people see their potential, build confidence, and lead with impact. Whenever I feel stuck, I return to my “why,” which reignites my energy.

Action Step:
Spend 10 minutes today writing your “impact statement.”
Fill in this sentence:
“The reason I do this work is because __________.”
Once you have it, put it somewhere visible, such as your desk, phone background, or even your bathroom mirror. Your "why" should meet you every morning."

Struggling to clearly define your "why"? Download my free ‘What do YOU do?’ a Checklist to Confidently answer that question every time and keep your momentum aligned with your mission.”

Final Thoughts: Keep Paddling

Momentum isn’t a straight line. It’s faith, resilience, and a willingness to move forward even when the waves feel heavy. I had to learn that losing momentum doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it just means it’s time to start stacking small wins again.

So here’s your challenge this week:

  • Write down your wins.

  • Focus on progress, not perfection.

  • Reconnect with your why.

Remember this: Momentum doesn’t need perfection, it just needs motion. Keep paddling, and soon, your small wins will become unstoppable waves.


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Dr. Dar Mayweather is a leadership expert and career coach dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership. Discover his journey, expertise, and commitment to empowering professionals and organizations.

Dr. Dar Mayweather

Dr. Dar Mayweather is a leadership expert and career coach dedicated to fostering inclusive leadership. Discover his journey, expertise, and commitment to empowering professionals and organizations.

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