"Behaviour as a function of starting position can be graphed"

If you've watched the video above, you've likely heard this statement. It's applied to pendulums, projectiles, or waveforms. But if you zoom out, this idea carries massive weight (pun intended) in the creator world, too.

Let me explain.

The Physics of Starting Position

In classical mechanics, the trajectory of a pendulum, or any object in motion, is profoundly affected by its starting point. Pull the pendulum back farther, and it swings with more energy. Start it from the middle? It barely moves. No matter how perfect your technique is later, the starting position sets the boundaries of motion from the beginning.

This is a matter of physics; the stronger your starting position, the more momentum you can build in your creative career.

The Creator Pendulum

Most creators start with little leverage. They struggle for years, testing things others have already tested, making the same mistakes, repeating the same learning curves. Their “starting position” is close to zero: low support, low knowledge, and low momentum.

That's friction.

But imagine instead pulling the pendulum further:

• You start with a clear brand.
• A system for content.
• A roadmap based on what actually works, not trial and error.
• A mentor who's been through it already.

That’s your creative potential energy. A strong starting position, like pulling the pendulum far back, means more momentum later.

Coaching as Force Multiplier

Coaching is about changing your initial conditions.

When I work with creators, especially in the early stages, my job isn’t to provide them with all the answers. It’s to make sure their starting position is high enough to make the swing count. That might mean branding clarity. Or storytelling systems. Or confidence in front of the camera. Each one adds to the height of the drop.

It’s physics: the further back we pull the pendulum, that is, the better your starting conditions, the more creative momentum you gain.

Final Thoughts

Starting weak means burning energy to build what could’ve been built faster with insight. Starting strong means you still do the work, but each step creates more velocity than the last.

So the question isn’t just "Are you working hard?"
It’s: "How far back have you pulled your pendulum?"

If you’re stuck in that slow, barely swinging phase, it might not be your fault. But it is your move.

If you would like a more in-depth discussion, please feel free to reach out in the comments or on Discord.