How to Build Momentum in Your Business (What if the Reward Came First?)

You know what’ll kill your motivation faster than anything? Hearing rain hammering an RV roof while you’re trying to record a podcast.

That was me a couple years ago. Some of my old episodes literally sound like I recorded inside a tin can during a hurricane. It was the perfect excuse to stop podcasting… and, honestly, once I stopped, it got way too easy not to start again.

Fast forward to today. I’m in a beautiful new house with a gorgeous office. Life upgrade, right?

Well, yes… except the office is cavernous. Every time I tried to record, the echo was ridiculous. And in my head, it became this script on repeat: “I’ll start podcasting again when the sound quality’s better.”

The problem? That was the exact same excuse, just dressed up a little fancier.

Maybe for you it’s not a podcast. Maybe it’s finally hiring that team member or starting the course you’ve been sitting on. 

Whatever it is, we all have that thing we keep putting off because something isn’t ‘perfect’ yet.”

Finally told myself: enough. I ordered a new microphone. And here’s the deal I made with myself: The day it arrives, I record. Period.

It wasn’t a “treat” for after I was consistent again. The microphone itself was the thing that got me moving.

And honestly? I knew I needed to take this step. After dozens of networking calls and virtual coffees, people kept telling me how much they loved my energy and how they could tell I was a teacher at heart just by the way I showed up. 

That connection only happens when people can see and hear me so avoiding podcasting and video wasn’t just hurting me, it was keeping me from reaching the people who need me.

I can’t be the only one who does this…what’s the big project or next step in your business you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting for things to be “perfect” and you know it’s keeping you from finally building the momentum you know you need?

The Reward That Starts the Momentum

We entrepreneurs are notorious for two things:

One, using tiny obstacles (like bad sound) as reasons to stall. 

And two, not rewarding ourselves at all when we finally do push through.

But what if we flipped the script?

What if, instead of waiting for some big win to “earn” a reward, we used the reward to get ourselves started? And, bonus,actually gave ourselves permission to celebrate the wins on the back end too?

The Real Lesson

That’s what the microphone did for me. It was the catalyst to get back behind the mic for my Hot Take Tuesday videos and podcasting again.

3 things that make this work for you:

• Rewards don’t have to cost money or be a big investment. They just need to be something you wouldn’t do normally.
  
• The point isn’t what the reward is. It’s about using it as the spark to create momentum.
  
• Then celebrate when you follow through. Yes, actually celebrate, you earned it! (my next reward just might be noise cancelling headphones!)

This Week’s Challenge

1: Pick the thing you’re avoiding
2: Choose a reward that excites you
3: Set a deadline and make it non-negotiable

Maybe it’s the tool you’ve been “waiting for.” Maybe it’s a commitment to treat yourself after you hit publish, record, or send.

Because momentum isn’t magic. You create it.

Want to hear how far I’ve come? 

Go back and listen to some of my old podcast episodes (yep, you’ll hear the RV rain soundtrack in all its glory). 

Then check out my brand-new Hot Take Tuesday on LinkedIn and hear the glow-up with my new mic.

And while you’re at it, hit reply and tell me: What reward are you using as your catalyst this week?

Let’s get moving.
Alison 😁

P.S. Registration for the next FREE Be Your Own Boss Better webinar is open! This time I am going to be teaching you how use AI to help think and act like a 7-figure CEO while you are still making 6-figures or less!