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How To Ride The Tailwinds Of Momentum

How To Ride The Tailwinds Of Momentum

March 10, 2026 Posted by John Barrett

How To Ride The Tailwinds Of Momentum

As leaders, we often obsess over WHAT we’re doing. The “WHAT” is good, but there’s something even more powerful than just what you do.

The real magic happens when you align WHAT you do with WHEN you do it.

Timing is everything.

Many times, the issue isn’t effort. It’s alignment. You’re doing the right things at the wrong time…and that’s exhausting.

Momentum Is a Gift—If You Know How to Ride It

There are moments in your week when you are in what is referred to as your green zone—that space where your energy is high, your mind is sharp, and your confidence is strong. You feel clear. Inspired. Focused.

You’ve experienced it. Maybe you just walked out of a powerful strategy meeting. Maybe you finished coaching someone and feel energized. Maybe you just had a breakthrough conversation that ignited fresh vision.

And then what do you do?

You check email. You jump into administrative tasks. You schedule something that requires low energy and little creativity. That’s like catching a strong tailwind… and turning your boat in the opposite direction.

Protect the Green Zone

High-level leaders are intentional about protecting their best energy for their highest-value work.

If you know that certain meetings fire you up—schedule creative work after them.

If you know you think best in the morning—don’t give that time to low-level tasks.

If you know you’re drained after back-to-back calls—don’t expect yourself to solve strategic problems at 4:30 p.m.

You must align what you do with when you’re at your best.

When you do, something powerful happens:

  • Your productivity increases.
  • Your creativity sharpens.
  • Your confidence grows.
  • Your impact multiplies.

That’s riding the tailwinds of momentum.

Misalignment Feels Like Walking Through Mud

Have you ever tried to do deep, creative thinking when you’re exhausted? It feels like walking through mud. You’re working. You’re pushing. But you’re not moving. Leaders often misinterpret this as lack of discipline or motivation. But sometimes it’s simply poor timing. You’re asking your brain and body to perform at a level they’re not resourced for in that moment.

Great leaders don’t just manage tasks…they manage energy.

Audit Your Calendar Like a CEO of Energy

Take a look at your week.

  • When are you most energized?
  • What meetings inspire you?
  • When do you feel drained?
  • What time of day are you mentally sharpest?

Then ask yourself a critical question: Am I aligning my most important work with my highest energy?

If not, you’re leaving momentum on the table. And momentum is one of the most powerful forces in leadership.

The Magic Is in the Alignment

There is something almost magical that happens when: The right work…Meets the right moment…With the right energy.

When inspiration meets opportunity, innovation follows. When clarity meets execution, progress accelerates. When vision meets high energy, transformation happens. But if what you do is misaligned with when you do it, you’ll constantly feel behind. Frustrated. Slowed down. You’ll question your productivity when the real issue is your timing.

Here’s Your Leadership Challenge:

For the next few weeks:

  1. Identify your green zone.
  2. Protect it.
  3. Schedule your most important, energy-demanding work there.
  4. Move low-impact tasks to lower-energy times.

Be intentional.

Be strategic.

Be aware.

Because the best leaders don’t just work hard…they work wisely.

And when you learn to ride the tailwinds of momentum instead of fighting against them, you’ll discover something powerful…trust me!

Related posts:

Reset To Recharge

The Tension Between Data & Desire

Know Your Team's Motive

The Power of Parkinson's Law

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About John Barrett

I am a speaker, author, and leadership coach who takes leaders to the next level. I have worked with fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and entrepreneurs to help increase their ideas, influence, impact, and income.

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