Imagine being on the brink of creating something new, something untried. That’s where I found myself years ago when I decided to launch an online education company. Back then, online education was a mere speck on the horizon of learning mediums. My journey wasn’t just about building a company; it was about maintaining momentum in the face of uncertainty and skepticism. This is a story about how momentum—the force behind every small step—can turn lofty dreams into tangible realities.
Understanding Momentum in Goal Setting – Momentum is often thought of in physical terms—an object in motion stays in motion. But when it comes to goal-setting, it’s more than that. It’s the psychological force that keeps you moving forward, day after day, especially when the goal is ambitious, like starting a pioneering company. Losing momentum can mean more than just a pause; it can lead to lost interest and, ultimately, failure. That’s why understanding and harnessing this force is essential.
The Power of Starting: My Journey with Online Education – My journey began not in an office, but on countless flights and hotel rooms as a management consultant. With 80% of my time spent on the road and a newborn on the way, I knew something had to change. That’s when the idea of an online education platform struck me. It was personal—I wanted to be home for my growing family.
The concept was met with skepticism from nearly everyone except one colleague. His belief in me was the spark I needed. In starting and building companies, I’ve learned the crucial role of taking that first step. Every day, I committed to doing something, anything, to inch closer to my goal.
Setting Simple, Achievable Goals – Starting was daunting. Questions swirled: What courses to offer? What technology to use? How to enroll students? The list was endless. To keep from being overwhelmed, I set simple, tangible goals: build one course and enroll a handful of students.
It took nearly two years, but there were no shortcuts. Each day was a building block, placed on the foundation laid the day before.
Building on Each Success – The first course was a microcosm of learning. Ten students became my focus. Their feedback was gold, helping refine the course. Then, I aimed for a hundred students, then a thousand. With each milestone, the company’s offerings grew. We expanded into new countries, diversified our courses, and started collaborating with corporations. This wasn’t just growth—it was momentum in action.
Sustaining Momentum for Long-Term Success – This journey of building momentum led to a global presence: thousands of students, hundreds of corporate clients, and individuals in over 100 countries accessing our platform. Each small, daily effort compounded into this success. By focusing on one step at a time, I managed my anxiety and kept the momentum going. It was a testament to the power of cumulative action.
The Big Exit: A Moment of Pride – Years of momentum, grit, and small wins finally culminated in a major milestone: the successful sale of the company. What started as a personal mission to spend more time with my family evolved into something much larger than I had imagined. Selling the company was a proud moment—a validation of all the effort and daily persistence that built it. I didn’t get there overnight, and I didn’t do it alone, but it reinforced one powerful lesson: momentum makes the impossible possible.
Applying Momentum to Your Own Goals – Your goals may seem daunting, but remember, it’s about starting and then maintaining momentum. Consistent, small actions build into unstoppable forces. So, take that first step, however small, and watch as your dreams unfold into reality. Remember, it’s not just about reaching the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey, one step at a time.
See you next week,
Brent, your Rivr Guide
