We all know what it’s like to feel like we’re in a groove. You’re hitting your goals, you’re consistent, you’re energized, and everything feels easier. That’s the power of momentum—and it’s the real key to long-term success, not motivation.

Whether you’re trying to lose body fat, build muscle, get back on track, or just show up better in any area of your life—momentum is what makes it all feel lighter and more sustainable. In this post, I’m breaking down the four-part momentum framework I recently discussed with Jeff Salzenstein, former top 100 tennis player, and how to apply it in your everyday life. This isn’t just about getting fired up. It’s about learning how to create momentum, how to keep it, and how to regain it when you lose it.

Let’s go.

What Jeff Taught Me About Momentum

When I spoke to Jeff, he mentioned something I found fascinating: how hard it is to win two or three points in a row in tennis. He said most players relax a little after winning two points—they think they’re further ahead than they really are. That slight drop in intensity can cost them the game. And it’s true. Whether you’re on a court or in the gym, momentum is fragile. It’s easy to lose and hard to regain.

He also talked about what it feels like to gain momentum, especially when you’re behind. You lose the first few innings, then slowly start clawing your way back—one point, one run, one small win at a time. At first, it’s just hope. Then, it becomes belief. Suddenly, the game is tied—but it doesn’t feel even. It feels like you’re winning, because of the path you took to get there.

That mindset—of building and sustaining momentum—can translate to your goals. And that’s what I want to walk you through now.

Step One: Set a Clear Goal

Momentum needs direction. There is no such thing as “progress” unless you’re progressing toward something. You need a game to play. That’s why the very first step in creating momentum is having a specific goal. If you don’t have one, you won’t know if you’re moving forward. You’ll feel like you’re spinning your wheels.

Think about the difference between playing a game to win and just tossing a ball around. The goal is what gives your effort purpose and shape. It’s what allows you to track progress. So if you’ve been feeling stuck or unmotivated lately, check in: have you actually defined what you’re aiming for?

Step Two: Find a Source of Hope

Once you’ve defined your goal, you need hope. You need to believe that the goal is possible—at least a little. That hope might come from seeing other people achieve what you want. It might come from having a conversation with someone who’s been where you are. Or maybe it’s as simple as seeing your first small win. That win plants the seed.

Hope is the spark. And once you’ve got a little of it, your job is to keep fanning the flame.

Step Three: Build Real Belief

Hope is a start—but belief is what builds momentum. Real belief comes from evidence. From skills. From effort. From experience. You build belief by doing the work—by gaining knowledge, improving your skills, and stacking up small wins.

You also build belief by becoming the kind of person who follows through. I say this all the time in the 10WT: if you want confidence, keep promises to yourself. That’s it. When you consistently do what you say you’ll do—when you show up, even when you don’t feel like it—you create undeniable evidence that you’re becoming someone who can reach the goal.

And once you start seeing measurable progress? That’s when belief kicks into high gear. That’s when the snowball starts rolling downhill. That’s when momentum really takes off.

Step Four: Keep the Momentum Alive

Momentum isn’t just about building it—it’s about keeping it. And that’s where most people fall short. They hit a few milestones and start to ease off the gas. They think they’ve arrived.

But the truth? You never arrive.

That’s why I love the phrase: “Best I’ve ever been. Worst I’ll ever be.” It’s a reminder to be proud of your progress, but hungry for more. It’s a mindset that says, “Yes, I’ve come far—but I know I can go further.”

Look at the best in the world. Nick Saban. The Patriots. The Yankees. They didn’t stay on top by celebrating yesterday’s wins. They stayed on top by staying hungry. By finding new ways to improve. By treating every game like they were still down by six runs.

You can apply the same mentality. If you’re crushing your financial goals, move that money into savings or investments so it doesn’t sit in your checking account. Keep that sense of urgency alive. If you’re hitting all your workouts, increase the intensity or dial in your nutrition. Don’t get complacent—get curious. Keep finding edges.

Final Thoughts: The Momentum Loop

Let’s recap the loop. First, you set a goal. Then, you find a way to create hope. You build belief by doing the work and stacking up wins. And then, once momentum is rolling, you adopt the “back against the wall” mindset so that you don’t let it slip.

If you feel stuck right now, maybe you’re just missing one of these steps. That’s okay. You can rebuild. Start small. One workout. One healthy meal. One promise to yourself that you actually keep.

That’s how momentum starts. That’s how it builds. And that’s how you keep it alive.

If you want to watch my full interview with Jeff Salzenstein and hear how he applied this exact framework at the highest level of sport, check it out on the podcast or YouTube.

And if you want to learn the step-by-step system for setting better goals and building momentum that lasts, join us for the Build Your Intentional Life Workshop on Wednesday, October 29th at 5pm CT. It’s totally free—just go to nickcarrier.com/intentional to sign up.

Keep pushing. Keep building. And remember: you’ve got more in the tank than you think. Let’s get after it.

Here’s to building unstoppable momentum—and to becoming your Best You.