Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M7985

Momentum

Momentum
TechnicalHigh supportPhysics
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

In physics, a quantity that measures the tendency of an object to keep moving. In work, it refers to the phenomenon that once you start and achieve small wins, it is easier to continue than to stop.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Maintain flow rate. In a high-efficiency state, do not easily stop to rest. Keep inertia (momentum); once you completely stop, the energy cost to restart is enormous.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Momentum p = mv, a measure of an object's tendency to keep moving. As a work metaphor: once you achieve small wins and enter a flow state, continuing to push forward is much easier than pausing and restarting—stopping dissipates momentum, and restarting requires overcoming the startup cost again. Maintaining 'flow rate' is key to high efficiency.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Check to track your progress (stored locally)
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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MomentumZH · Explicit
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