Mood Follows Action and Action Follows Mood: The Power of Momentum

Mood Follows Action and Action Follows Mood: The Power of Momentum

Mood follows action, and action follows mood.

It’s a cycle, and understanding how to harness it can transform the way you approach your life and goals.

Understanding the Cycle

It’s easy to think that we need to feel a certain way before we can take action. We believe that motivation, inspiration, or even happiness must come first.

However, this belief can keep us paralysed, waiting for a moment that might never arrive.

The reality is that action often creates the mood we’re seeking. When we take even the smallest step forward, we create momentum that changes our emotional state.

That new mood, in turn, fuels further action, creating a positive feedback loop.

The Power of Action

Imagine this: you’re feeling low, unmotivated, and overwhelmed by a task you’ve been putting off.

The thought of tackling it feels impossible, but instead of waiting for the right mood, you decide to take one small action.

You break the task into a manageable piece and just start. Maybe it’s just five minutes of effort, but that tiny action shifts something inside you.

You start to feel a bit more capable, a bit more energised. That shift in mood makes the next step easier, and before you know it, you’ve built up momentum.

The beauty of this approach is that it needn’t be the specific task that’s stuck.

As humans, we have an innate need to grow. Achieving wins in any area of your life can break the inertia in others.

I found that the other day. I was struggling with a project, so I stopped completely and went and did the garden.

The amazing results I saw from my gardening efforts transformed my mood and also my motivation to tackle my project. I came back to it with a totally different energy and smashed it!

The beauty of this cycle is that it works both ways. If you’re already in a positive mood, your actions become more effortless, which in turn reinforces your good mood.

But when you’re in a low mood, taking action – even if it’s the last thing you want to do – can be the catalyst that changes everything.

Mood Follows Action: Practical Steps to Create Momentum

1. Start Small
   The key to breaking out of inertia is to start small. If a task feels overwhelming, break it down into the smallest possible action. Maybe it’s just opening a document, writing one sentence, or taking a five-minute walk. The goal is to create movement, no matter how tiny.

2. Set a Timer
   One technique I often use with clients is the “10-minute rule”. Set a timer for 10 minutes and commit to working on the task for just that short period. Knowing there’s a limit makes it easier to start, and more often than not, once the timer goes off, you’ll find yourself wanting to continue.

3. Power Posing
   The way you carry yourself physically can have a significant impact on your mental state. Try the Wonder Woman or Superman pose: stand tall with your feet apart, hands on your hips, and chin slightly raised. Hold this pose for two minutes, and you’ll notice a boost in confidence and energy. This simple action can change your mood and prepare you for taking on challenges with renewed vigour.

4. Dress for the Occasion
   Don’t underestimate the power of dressing for success. Wearing an outfit that makes you feel confident and put-together can have a profound impact on your mood and behaviour. Whether it’s for an important meeting or a task you’ve been dreading, dressing the part can set the tone for your actions and help you approach the situation with the right mindset.

5. Make Your Bed
   This may seem like a small and trivial task, but making your bed each morning sets a positive tone for the day. It’s a simple action that gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment and control, which can lead to greater productivity and a more positive mindset throughout the day.

6. Celebrate Small Wins
   Every action, no matter how small, is a victory. Celebrate these small wins to reinforce the positive cycle. Acknowledge your progress, even if it’s just a step, and let that celebration fuel your next action.

7. Shift Your Focus
   Sometimes, changing your environment or routine can be enough to trigger action. If you’re stuck, try working in a different room, listening to uplifting music, or taking a quick break. These small shifts can help you break out of a stagnant mood and jumpstart your action.

8. Visualise the Outcome
   Visualising the positive outcome of your action can create a mental shift that makes starting easier. Picture how you’ll feel once the task is done, the relief, the satisfaction, and use that image as motivation to take the first step.

The Benefits of Embracing This Cycle

1. Increased Productivity
   By taking action even when you don’t feel like it, you bypass procrastination and increase your productivity. You learn to rely less on fleeting emotions and more on consistent habits.

2. Greater Resilience
   Understanding that you can change your mood through action builds resilience. You’re no longer at the mercy of your emotions but can take control of your state of mind, leading to greater stability and mental toughness.

3. Enhanced Well-being
   When you create positive momentum through action, it naturally boosts your mood and overall well-being. You feel more in control, more accomplished, and more aligned with your goals.

4. Improved Confidence
   Every small action builds confidence. When you prove to yourself that you can take action regardless of your mood, you strengthen your belief in your own capabilities, which in turn makes bigger actions easier.

Some Inspiration for Your Journey

Watching Recommendation 🎥
“Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are” – Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk explores how power posing can change your state of mind and increase your confidence, making it easier to take action.

Reading Recommendation 📘
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield – This book delves into the resistance we face when trying to create or act and offers strategies for overcoming it. Pressfield’s tough-love approach is a powerful motivator for anyone struggling to take action.

Listening Recommendation 🎧
“The Mindset Mentor” with Rob Dial – This podcast offers daily tips and motivation to shift your mindset and take consistent action. It’s a great resource for keeping yourself on track and building momentum in your life.

Final Thoughts

The cycle of mood and action is a powerful tool that you can harness to create positive change in your life.

By understanding that mood follows action, you free yourself from the trap of waiting for the right moment. You learn that you have the power to create your own momentum, one small step at a time.

So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unmotivated, remember: take action, however small.

Let that action change your mood, and let that new mood fuel further action.

Before you know it, you’ll have built a cycle of success that propels you forward in all areas of your life.

Feel free to reach out anytime for more tips or even a chat.

And if you have any recommendations or topics you’d like covered, I’d love to hear from you.