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NEWS | Feb. 13, 2012

Words of Wisdom - Gaining Momentum

By Chief Master Sgt. Jose LugoSantiago Joint Base Charleston command chief

Beautiful morning wherever you are...yes, carry the sun within you this week!

I love getting among inspiring people. A young warrior pass this piece to me almost a year ago. This excerpt from John C. Maxwell is called "Momentum Breaker or Maker."

It presents a great vector check for all of us this week! In our lives, if we are looking for personal and team success, we need to stay growing momentum by avoiding those characteristics that consume our energies.

This week, be and stay GREAT!

****

Momentum breaker - the past
Momentum maker - the future

An organization picks up steam when its leaders point to a better tomorrow. Momentum breaks down when leaders preoccupy themselves with the past. Or, as I've heard quoted, "Losers yearn for the past and get stuck in it. Winners learn from the past and let go of it."

Momentum breaker - apathy
Momentum maker - passion

Passion energizes your talent and rubs off on those around you.

Momentum breaker - individualism
Momentum maker - teamwork

If you want to kill momentum, then insist on doing things by yourself. Momentum grows through team victories in which numerous people can claim to have played a role. The level of celebration on a team depends upon the level of participation.

Momentum breaker - tradition
Momentum maker - creativity

Don't tear down the fence until you understand why it was built. At the same time, relentlessly question the logic, "that's how we have always done it." What worked in the past may be outdated and could hold you back in the future.

Momentum breaker - indecision
Momentum maker - action

I am never overly impressed with idea people. Anyone who takes a long shower can come up with a good idea. I'm impressed with a person who has the tenacity and discipline to make ideas happen.

Momentum breaker - ingratitude
Momentum maker - gratitude

As a Chinese proverb states, "Those who drink the water must remember those who dug the well." No one can claim to be self-made. Whatever accomplishments we attain in life have connections to the goodwill and support of those around us. When we express thankfulness for the benefits bestowed upon us by friends and colleagues, then those people are more apt to aid us again in the future.

Always motivated, Chief LugoSantiago