Turning Friction into Momentum

"The world is wide, and I will not waste my life in friction when it could be turned into momentum."
– Frances E. Willard

Friction: it’s that uncomfortable force that slows us down, whether it’s the weight of a difficult task, an unexpected setback, or even self-doubt. But what if friction wasn’t an obstacle? What if it was the very thing propelling you forward?

Challenges have the power to shape us, refine us, and ignite a new level of growth. Frances E. Willard’s words remind us that friction, when harnessed, can be transformed into momentum. This post will explore how resistance is not your enemy but your ally, providing the spark needed to achieve breakthroughs.

The Science of Embracing Friction
Did you know your brain actually thrives on challenges? Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has helped identify the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC) as a region of the brain responsible for persistence, willpower, and motivation. According to Huberman’s research, engaging in challenging activities stimulates this area, strengthening your brain’s ability to persevere and adapt.

Think of your aMCC as a muscle. Every time you push through resistance—whether it’s finishing a tough project, running an extra mile, or tackling an intimidating goal—you’re growing your mental resilience. When you practice a growth mindset and build up your grit, you are actually training this specific part of your brain. The very act of embracing friction helps retain cognitive sharpness as you age and builds the foundation for unstoppable momentum.

Importantly, research suggests that this “muscle” is very much a “use it or lose it” type of neuropathway. In other words, you can’t rest on the laurels of previous friction and effort for very long!

David Goggins: A Masterclass in Mental Callousing
David Goggins, one of the most relentless endurance athletes of our time, thrives on steering towards daily bouts of intense friction. He believes that pushing through discomfort isn’t just a choice—it’s a way of life. Goggins calls this process “mental callousing,” a term he uses to describe building toughness through repeated exposure to challenges.

For Goggins, the hardest moments—the ones where quitting feels inevitable—are where transformation begins. His philosophy is simple: every time you endure resistance, you’re strengthening your capacity to handle even bigger challenges.

Why Friction Is Your Ally

1. Friction Sharpens Your Focus
   Resistance forces you to zero in on what matters. When everything feels tough, you learn to prioritize and focus on what will truly move the needle.
   

2. Challenges Create Growth
   Every challenge presents an opportunity to level up. Think of friction as the resistance that strengthens your “mental muscles,” much like lifting weights strengthens your physical ones.
   

3. Resistance Sparks Creativity
   Obstacles often demand new approaches and creative solutions. Friction fuels innovation, pushing you to think differently.
   

4. Friction Builds Momentum
   Once you overcome one challenge, the momentum carries you forward. Each victory against resistance becomes a launchpad for the next.
   

How to Turn Friction into Momentum
It’s important to remember that friction in and of itself is not the goal. You should not try and punish yourself with extraordinary effort just for the sake of it - rather, your effort should be laser-focused towards achieving your ONE Thing!

1. Reframe the Struggle
   See challenges as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself, “How is this friction helping me build strength or learn something new. Is it aligned with my ONE Thing?”
   

2. Celebrate Micro-Wins
   Pushing through resistance can feel overwhelming, so focus on small victories. Each step forward deserves recognition—it’s proof of your momentum.
   

3. Develop Mental Callouses
   Embrace discomfort regularly. Whether it’s waking up earlier, taking on a difficult task, or pushing through physical fatigue, use resistance as a training ground for resilience.
   

4. Activate the Power of Yet
   Shift your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.” Friction is temporary, but the growth it inspires is permanent.
   

5. Stay Inspired by the Bigger Picture
   When resistance feels unbearable, remember your ROCKET Goals. Let your future self motivate your present effort.
   

The Effort Is the Reward

Friction isn’t the enemy—it’s the gateway to greatness. Each moment of resistance is an opportunity to grow stronger, smarter, and more resilient. By embracing challenges and using them to stimulate your persistence, you’re not just achieving goals—you’re transforming your mindset and brain for long-term success.

As Andrew Huberman suggests, the effort itself is the reward. Each time you push through friction, you’re not just moving forward—you’re building the very foundation of your future victories.

Don’t waste time in being frustrated by the friction in your life — instead, convert that friction into momentum! Embrace the challenges, grow your mental callouses, and unlock your unstoppable drive.