Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, once shared his personal experience with true exhaustion, not the kind that comes from hard work, but from working on something that has lost its momentum. It’s not about lacking passion or a strong work ethic; it’s about the slow drain that happens when progress stalls. Momentum, it turns out, is a powerful fuel. Without it, even the most meaningful work can feel like a grind.
When you’re building something that’s moving forward, energy feels boundless. Every small win propels you and your team forward, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of progress and motivation. But when you’re pushing against something that just won’t take off, every step becomes heavier, more taxing. In these moments, it’s worth stepping back to reflect: should we keep pushing, or is it time to pivot, recharge, and begin again with renewed clarity?
For founders, managing energy, yours and your team’s, is one of the most critical resources. Momentum isn’t just about productivity; it directly impacts morale, creativity, and resilience. Keeping the team aligned, celebrating small wins, and staying connected to the bigger vision are some of the most effective ways to maintain that vital sense of forward motion.
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Media: Y Combinator
