The Momentum Model: Self-Efficacy as the Equalizer of Success

Abstract

This article presents the Momentum Model, a framework that translates self-efficacy, the belief in one’s ability to influence outcomes, into sustained action. Grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory and informed by practitioner evidence from the Excellence Institute Summer Bridge Program and interdisciplinary coursework, the model operationalizes belief through four movements: Awareness, Alignment, Action, and Advancement. The approach reconceptualizes confidence as a renewable resource and reframes retention and persistence programming as psychological processes rather than institutional outcomes. Evidence from applied contexts indicates increases in students’ confidence, goal clarity, and persistence behaviors. The model contributes a practical methodology for embedding belief-building practices into curriculum, advising, and mentoring, thereby translating internal belief into measurable performance. The paper also outlines limitations and future directions, recommending longitudinal and mixed-method designs to test durability across settings and populations.