Riding the Rollercoaster of Starting Something New: My Journey with MoMENtum Men’s Group

Launching a new venture is rarely a straight road. For me, building MoMENtum Men’s Group in Plymouth has felt more like a rollercoaster — sharp climbs of excitement and hope, sudden drops into doubt and anxiety, and loops of conflicting emotions, sometimes all in the space of a single day.

This blog isn’t about profit, business plans, or strategy. MoMENtum is not about making money — it’s about building social connection, resilience, and belonging for men. My aim in writing this is to be open about the emotional ride I’ve been on while starting this project, because I know many others will relate — whether you’re launching a community initiative, starting a small business, or simply stepping into something new and uncertain.

The Contradictory Emotions of Starting Something New

When you start a venture that feels personal, the emotions don’t line up neatly. They clash and overlap. You can feel excitement and fear in the same hour. You can feel imposter syndrome in the morning and pride in the afternoon.

For me, these emotions have included:

• Elation when I’ve seen the first signs that MoMENtum resonates with people.

• Stress when I’ve hit obstacles — from branding decisions to event planning.

• Anxiety about whether anyone will show up, or whether the group will “work.”

• Sleepless nights, sometimes from worry, sometimes from anticipation.

• Imposter syndrome, that nagging voice asking: “Who are you to do this?”

• Hope and determination, because I know the heart of this project matters.

It’s important to say this openly, because too often we imagine new ventures as smooth, confident journeys. The reality is far messier — and much more human.

Why MoMENtum Exists

So why put myself through this rollercoaster at all?

Because loneliness and isolation are real problems for men. In Plymouth, as in many cities, men over 30 often lose the sense of connection they had in their younger years. Work, family pressures, and life events can narrow social circles.

MoMENtum is about creating spaces where men can meet without pressure, talk openly, and build friendships through activities — coffee mornings, walks, sports, meals, and other shared experiences.

This group isn’t therapy. It isn’t about diagnosing or fixing. It’s about community, connection, and belonging. Research consistently shows that social support improves mental well-being, reduces the risk of depression, and even has physical health benefits. That’s the deeper motivation that has carried me through the emotional ups and downs of starting this.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

Reflecting on this journey, there are lessons worth sharing — not just for men’s groups, but for anyone building something new.

1. Expect the Highs and Lows

The emotional rollercoaster isn’t a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign you care. If the outcome didn’t matter to me, I wouldn’t have had sleepless nights or bursts of excitement.

2. Imposter Syndrome Is Normal

I’ve learned that imposter syndrome shows up precisely when you’re stepping into something worthwhile. Instead of fighting it, I’ve tried to let it remind me that growth often feels uncomfortable.

3. Community Projects Are Never About One Person

Although I started the idea, MoMENtum isn’t “mine.” It’s about the men who will come, connect, and shape it together. That thought helps me carry the pressure with perspective.

4. Clarity Beats Perfection

There were moments I wanted every poster, every social media post, and every plan to be perfect. But clarity of message and genuine intent matter far more than polish.

The Final Phase Before Launch

Now, in these last weeks before MoMENtum’s official launch, the pressure feels strongest. There’s fear of failure, of low turnout, of disappointing the men who might need this most. But there’s also excitement — the sense that something meaningful is about to begin.

It’s a strange combination, holding both at once:

• Fear of failure alongside faith in the mission.

• Pressure of responsibility alongside gratitude for the journey.

That’s the reality of creating something that matters.

Advice for Others Starting Something New

If you’re reading this because you’re building your own business, project, or community, here are three things I’d encourage you to hold onto:

1. Let yourself feel the full range. Anxiety, pride, doubt, joy — they’re all signs you’re human and invested.

2. Talk about it. Share your journey with others, don’t carry it alone. It helps you normalise the ups and downs.

3. Focus on why it matters. When you lose perspective in the details, return to your core “why.” For me, that’s men’s connection and well-being.

   
   

Why This Matters for Men’s Wellbeing

The truth is, loneliness among men isn’t often spoken about. But it carries real consequences. Research from the Campaign to End Loneliness shows that men are less likely than women to have strong social networks, and that isolation increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

Creating groups like MoMENtum is one way of addressing that gap. It’s about making spaces where men can share a laugh, try an activity, or simply have someone to talk to.

Closing Thoughts

Starting MoMENtum has taken me through elation, fear, doubt, and hope. It has tested my resilience and reminded me why connection matters so much.

Whatever happens after launch, I know I’ve given this project my best. My hope is that MoMENtum becomes more than just a group — that it becomes a community where men find connection, action, and belonging.

And maybe that’s the real message: when you’re building something new, it isn’t about never doubting or fearing. It’s about holding those feelings alongside your purpose — and choosing to keep going.

Author Bio

About the author, Alan R. Stokes is Director of Horizon Counselling Services and founder of MoMENtum Men’s Group. A qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist with 10,000+ client hours, he’s a registered member of BACP and helps men build connection, resilience, and wellbeing.