We often think of momentum as a single, unstoppable force—a burst of energy that carries us forward once we've started. But momentum isn't monolithic. It shifts, cycles, and evolves. I've written before about the importance of guarding your velocity as you move through your work in this piece, but what happens before, during, and after that initial push matters just as much.
In fact, to live and work more productively, it's worth looking at momentum not as one thing, but three.
Let's explore these three variations—Gomentum, Momentum, and Slowmentum—through a simple and vivid metaphor: gardening.
Phase One: Gomentum (The Pre-Momentum Phase)
Before you even plant a single seed, there's Gomentum.
Gomentum is the spark. The inciting incident. It's when you're dreaming, planning, prepping—long before the visible action begins. You might be standing in a hardware store looking at soil. Or sketching out rows in a notebook. Or simply telling someone, “This is the year I'm finally building that garden.”
That's Gomentum.
It's often invisible, but it's vital. Without it, the next phase can't happen. Gomentum is where intention begins to take shape.
Phase Two: Momentum (The Activation Phase)
This is the phase we usually picture when we think of “momentum.” It's the doing. The planting. The digging. The long afternoon in the sun when you're building something from the ground up—literally or metaphorically.
In the gardening world, this is when you're out there with gloves on. Tilling soil. Mapping beds. Getting your hands dirty.
In work and life, Momentum is that middle sprint. It's productive, high-energy, and often short-lived. And it needs to be—because we can't sustain this phase indefinitely.
Phase Three: Slowmentum (The Sustaining Phase)
Once the garden is planted, the work isn't over.
Now comes Slowmentum—the slower, steadier, more intentional form of momentum. It doesn't have the intensity of Gomentum or Momentum, but it requires just as much presence. Maybe more.
Slowmentum is watering the plants regularly. Pulling weeds here and there. Checking for signs of growth or decay.
This is the rhythm of tending.
In our personal productivity, Slowmentum might look like reviewing our goals weekly, responding to what's changed, or making small daily progress on a long-term project. It's not flashy—but it's where durability is built.
Why All Three Matter
Here's the thing: most people only recognize one kind of momentum.
They chase the rush of high-speed productivity (Momentum) without nurturing the setup (Gomentum) or honoring the sustain (Slowmentum).
But lasting, meaningful progress happens when all three are present.
- Gomentum plants the seed.
- Momentum gets it growing.
- Slowmentum keeps it alive.
This rhythm—this balance—is where the quantity of your output aligns with the quality of your intention. And that's what true productivity is all about.
Next time you feel stuck, ask yourself: Which phase am I in?
You might not need to push harder—you might just need to shift your approach.
Recognizing Gomentum, Momentum, and Slowmentum gives you the permission to slow down or speed up, depending on what's needed most.
And that's how you stay in motion—without burning out.
