The Dark Side of Momentum: Why Disturbance Drives Success - Spencer Uncensored ep 85

Warning: This post contains explicit language.

Good evening, Mavericks and Momentum Makers. You’re here because you’re not satisfied with average, and neither am I. This is Spencer Uncensored, Episode 85. If you're just joining us, buckle up. We’ve had 84 conversations before this about how to build momentum, boost mastery, and tap into the deeper levels of productivity, profitability, and purpose that most people only dream about.
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Let’s get one thing straight: Businesses don’t grow—people do. The money, the success, the accolades—they all come on the backside of personal development. Why? Because over the last 20 years of working with business leaders, I’ve seen it over and over again: You don’t level up your business without leveling up yourself. If you’re new around here, welcome. And if you’ve been with me for a while, thanks for coming back. Let’s dive in.

We recently wrapped up the Unshakeable Weekend Event—a three-day immersion where people changed their trajectories or cranked up the speed on their path to success. It’s not therapy; it’s transformation. One attendee told me, “I got more out of this weekend than in 26 years of therapy.” Let me tell you, if you think this is some feel-good, sit-on-the-couch bullshit, you’re in the wrong room. As my Coach, Micheal Burt says, we're working with Navy SEALs, not baby seals.

What Disturbs You?
Tonight, we’re diving into the dark side of momentum. The stuff that nobody likes to talk about—the disturbances, the setbacks, the punches that make you question why you ever started. We’re talking about the Drift to Drive framework from my book, Momentum and Mastery. Everyone loves to dwell on the light—dreams and desires—but they conveniently forget about the harder stuff: disturbances and decisions. You want momentum? You want mastery? You better get comfortable with discomfort.

Tap Into Your Failures and Setbacks
Step one is embracing past failures. Remember every time you were doubted, dismissed, or overlooked. Own those memories; use them as fuel. Your past pain is a bottomless gas tank for your future drive. I’m not talking about wallowing—I’m talking about weaponizing. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I’ve owed money I didn’t have, missed opportunities I didn’t see, and been criticized in ways that would make most people quit. I didn’t quit. I used every bit of it to build the fire that got me here. Feeling stuck? Look at your scars. That’s where your power lives.

Focus on Your Critics
Next up, let’s talk about your critics. You know who they are. The naysayers who think you’re crazy for trying, the doubters who whisper that you don’t have what it takes. Sometimes, the loudest critic is the one in your own head. Good. Let that voice push you harder. Turn those doubts into determination. Take every “you can’t” and turn it into fuel that says, “watch me.” Don’t silence your critics; harness them.

Channel Your Anger
Here’s a secret: Anger is not a primary emotion; it’s a secondary one. It’s born from disappointment, from unmet expectations. And when you understand that, you can find a whole playground of motivation in the things that piss you off. Didn’t close that deal? Good. Get angry. Didn’t get the promotion? Great. Get angry. Anger, when used right, is jet fuel. It’s the difference between sitting on your hands and punching through walls. Fear, frustration, disappointment—use them all. Negative emotions are not your enemies; they’re your allies.

Set Ruthless Standards
Lastly, if you want to keep your fire burning, you’ve got to demand more from yourself. Set high standards and be ruthlessly accountable. Don’t settle. You will get disturbed when you miss the mark, and that’s the point. Someone tells you, “Hey, you’re doing fine, why push so hard?” Tell them to get lost. Your standards are not for other people to understand; they’re for you to uphold.

We’re not here for comfort. We’re here for change. And that change often comes wrapped in discomfort, anger, and a burning desire to prove yourself right. This isn’t about healing your past—it’s about turning it into rocket fuel for your future. So next time you feel disturbed, don’t shy away. Lean in. That disturbance is your path to greatness.

And remember, the Unshakeable Weekend is your gateway drug. Grab your copy of Momentum and Mastery, and come experience the fire for yourself. Because the truth is, you don’t need more motivation.

You need more leverage.
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Here’s to building a chip on your shoulder and turning it into momentum. See you at the top.

Spencer Combs - Breaking the drift since 2004.

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