The New Science Of Momentum

I’m a bit torn on this one. I first came across The New Science of Momentum after hearing Don Yaeger interviewed on The Glue Guys podcast. I loved that episode as the topic of discussion around momentum in sport and business was right up my alley. After sharing the podcast with friends, I said I’d check out the book and let them know if it built on the podcast and was worth a read/listen. Perhaps I enjoyed the podcast so much that it set the bar a little high, because while the book is solid, it left me a touch underwhelmed.

That being said, my reaction probably says more about my expectations than the book itself. The New Science of Momentum offers a thorough exploration of the concept and its influence across both sports and business, using numerous examples along the way. The title might be slightly misleading though as it’s less about new science and more about case-study based evidence showing how momentum can change outcomes.

If you’re new to the topic, it’s a worthwhile read or listen. It reinforces how momentum can shape performance, morale, and results, and it’s full of stories where harnessing momentum turned the tide. But if you’ve already spent time exploring this concept or have read other works on performance psychology then you might find it covers familiar ground, with the main takeaways being new anecdotes and examples for you to incorporate into future discussions.

Ironically, my own momentum waned toward the end of the book as I felt it lost some of the energy it started with. Still, Yaeger’s storytelling and the examples he uses keep it engaging enough for first-time readers on the topic. If you decide to skip the book, I’d still highly recommend his interview on The Glue Guys as it captures the core ideas in a more dynamic and easily digestible way.

Who’s it for?

Anyone interested in sports will likely enjoy this, as momentum and performance go hand in hand. It’s also relevant for business leaders and teams, as Yaeger includes stories from business and politics that show how momentum drives success across all arenas. For newcomers to the topic, it’s an accessible and motivating introduction; for those already familiar, it’s a decent refresher but not an essential read.