The Saturday Sprint

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It takes both less and more time than you think to get your momentum back

January 17, 20253 min read

Seven weeks away from Darwin. That’s how long it’s been since I last sat at my desk. I’ve been to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, Bundaberg, and the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. It wasn’t just a holiday; it was a mix of business, solving problems, seeing family and taking time to rest.

But now, back in Darwin, the world is already moving at full speed, and I feel like I’m jogging to catch up.

Events have passed, meetings have been missed, and while my team is firing on all cylinders, I’m trying to shift gears.

If you’ve ever felt out of sync after a break, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The good news? Momentum is like riding a bike – it’s easier to regain than to build from scratch.

The Hidden Value of Momentum.

Momentum is a sneaky force. It’s easy to take for granted when you’re in the thick of things, but you realise its power the moment it’s gone.

For me, those weeks of travel gave me clarity and solutions to problems, but they also disrupted the rhythm I’d spent months building. This is the dual-edged nature of rest. It heals, but it can also dull the edge of your productivity.

However, momentum isn’t magic. It’s built through small, consistent actions. On my return, I’ve had to redefine “winning the day.” It’s no longer about ticking off major goals but about simple, focused tasks: attending key meetings, reconnecting with the team, and showing up for the work that matters. Small steps compound into something bigger.

Some of these things even happened before I got back.

I started participating in the team chat last week.

I began to read some emails.

I responded to a few client messages.

Nothing too heavy - and I still have hundreds of missed emails to sift through now I'm back, but it was less about productivity while I was away, and more about easing myself back into my regular routine.

It’s Not a Race. It’s a Reset.

Returning to the pace and the madness of your normal work life can feel like being thrown into a marathon without training. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to sprint. Start small. For me, it’s about prioritising the essentials. No, I can’t undo the missed meetings, but I can ensure I’m fully present for the next ones.

And now that I'm rested, I'm far likely to be full present.

The same goes for you. Whatever your “next” looks like – a big project, a team goal, or personal growth – start where you are. Build momentum with purpose and intention. And remember, it’s okay if it takes time to feel like yourself again.

Momentum Loves Company.

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned is how much momentum thrives on connection. Reconnecting with colleagues, peers, or even your community can re-ignite your drive faster than you think. Sharing goals, asking for feedback, or even brainstorming with others reminds you that you’re not in this alone.

That's why I started reconnecting last week, instead of waiting to get back. And it's also why I stayed online through LinkedIn over the holidays. Going "cold turkey" is such a shock to the system, that it would have set off my every insecurity, not to mention a crashing ADHD control system that I've built into my life.

I’ve found that leaning on my network not only accelerates my return to form but also reminds me of why I do this work in the first place. It’s not just about ticking boxes but building something that matters.

And I really like the people I work with.

Dante is the Director of Australian Digital Education & Retail Group and Founder of Clickstarter, Speakstarter and Dante St James Consulting.

Dante St James

Dante is the Director of Australian Digital Education & Retail Group and Founder of Clickstarter, Speakstarter and Dante St James Consulting.

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