Tips for Staying Motivated During Long Projects

Want to stay motivated every single day? Borrow a strategy from Harvard. Then borrow another from stand up comedy. Together, they’re a powerhouse for momentum, motivation, and mastery. Here’s how it works: Let’s start with Harvard. Researcher Teresa Amabile studied 12,000 daily work diaries across 8 companies. She wanted to know: What truly motivates people on a day to day basis? What she found changed how we understand drive. The #1 driver of daily motivation wasn’t: Money Praise Perks It was progress. The days people made progress on meaningful work were the days they felt the best. Progress isn’t a luxury. It’s a psychological necessity. So how do we make progress feel visible especially on days when it’s not? Use a “Progress Ritual.” → At the end of the day, pause. → Write down 3 small ways you moved forward. → That’s it. No fanfare. Just ritual. This works because we rarely notice our progress in real time. It gets buried under busyness, meetings, and mental noise. The act of looking back gives your brain the reward it needs to keep going. Momentum builds from meaning. Now let’s add some comedy. Young Jerry Seinfeld had one goal: write new material every day. To stay on track, he created a brilliant system. Each day he wrote, he put a big red X on his calendar. Soon, a chain of Xs formed. And here’s the key: Don’t break the chain. One red X becomes two. Two becomes ten. Ten becomes identity. Whether you’re writing, coding, or training Daily action + visual chain = long-term motivation. Summary: The Two-Part Motivation System From Harvard: Record 3 ways you made progress each day. From Seinfeld: Mark an X for each day you show up then don’t break the chain. Progress fuels purpose. Consistency fuels confidence. Apply both and you’ll stay on track especially on the tough days. Because when your days get better, your weeks get better. When your weeks get better, your months get better. When your months get better, your life gets better. It starts with one small win today.

Contrary to popular belief, motivation does not necessarily wane during challenging projects. In fact, it can be even stronger when people feel like they are working on something important. I experienced this firsthand when my team and I developed a proximity awareness application during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the tight deadlines and difficult working conditions, we were all motivated to get the product to market as quickly as possible because we thought it could help save lives. This experience demonstrated that motivation is not about the difficulty of the task, but about the sense of purpose it gives people. When people feel like they are making a difference, they are more likely to persevere through challenges and stay committed to their goals. Here are some tips for creating a sense of purpose in your team: ✅ Start with a clear vision. What are you trying to achieve? Why is it important? When people understand the big picture, they are more likely to feel invested in the project. ✅ Involve people in decision-making and planning. When people have a say in how things are done, they feel more ownership and are more likely to be motivated to succeed. ✅ Make it a team effort. People are more motivated when they are working towards a common goal with others. Create opportunities for team members to collaborate and support each other. ✅ Set challenging but achievable goals. People need to feel like they are stretching themselves, but they also need to believe that they can succeed. ✅ Give people time to recharge. People need to recharge their batteries in order to be productive. Make sure to schedule regular breaks and time off. By following these tips, you can create a work environment where people are motivated to do their best, even when the challenges are great. #management #leadership #triumphleadershipbook ________________________________________ ➡️ I am Talila Millman, a fractional CTO, and a management advisor. I help CEOs and their C-suite grow profit and scale through optimal Product portfolio and an operating system for Product Management and Engineering excellence. 📘 My book TRIUMPH: Leadership in Times of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity is to be published in 2024. The presale starts September 5.  🔔 Follow me and ring the bell on my profile to get notified of new posts

Here are 8 habits I rely on (and often suggest to others) to stay ambitious without burning out: 1️⃣ Give your ambition a time limit. Think of deep work like a meeting with your future self. Block 90 minutes early in the day, silence your phone, and go all in. When the time’s up, stop, even if you’re mid-flow. Boundaries build focus and prevent work from spilling into everything. 2️⃣ Have a “minimum viable evening.” Pick one thing that helps you unplug, cooking dinner, a walk at sunset, reading to your kid, and treat it like it’s non-negotiable. That one ritual signals the end of the workday and gives your brain a clear off-switch. 3️⃣ Check your energy, not just your to-do list. Every Friday, jot down which tasks gave you energy and which drained it. After a few weeks, you’ll see patterns. Start removing or outsourcing one draining task at a time. Over time, your schedule will start to feel less like a grind. 4️⃣ Stick to two big projects. If you’re wired to chase new ideas, this one’s hard, but worth it. Limit yourself to one main focus at work and one personal goal. Everything else goes into a “not now” list you revisit monthly. Less chaos, more progress. 5️⃣ Plan for lighter weeks. Athletes don’t train hard every day, and neither should we. Once a quarter, block a week with fewer meetings, more sleep, and no extra side projects. Building in rest makes you more resilient and keeps burnout at bay. 6️⃣ Move your body, clear your head. Doesn’t have to be fancy. A short workout, a run, yoga, anything that gets your heart rate up will help you reset and stay sharp. Exercise isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a focus tool. 7️⃣ Short naps, big reset. Around that post-lunch slump, a 10–20 minute nap can seriously recharge you, no grogginess, just a clean mental reboot. Set a timer, close your eyes, and treat it like hitting refresh. 8️⃣ Group your tasks by vibe. Instead of switching between totally different things all day, chunk your time into themes, meetings, deep work, admin, etc. Then batch similar tasks together. Your brain stays in one lane longer, which helps with momentum. Start small, try one of these this week. You don’t need to slow down your ambition to feel more in control.

I recently got this email from a reader... Here was my reply: First off, it's ok—we've all been there. In fact, my observation is that it's especially common for ambitious, high-achievers, who tend to default to a state of burning the candle at both ends, and wind up burning it out. My advice: Momentum is the most powerful force in the world. When you're in a rut, a tiny bit of momentum is all it takes. My favorite method for manufacturing momentum: Minimum Viable Progress. Minimum Viable Progress says to just do a tiny bit, as anything above zero compounds. If you're trying to get back into your workout habit, don't worry about going to the gym for two hours, just go for a 15 minute walk outside. If you're trying to get back into your work flow, don't worry about executing four hour blocks of deep work, just focus on one task for 15 minutes. Avoid the tendency to think that the movement has to be perfect or robust. As Atomic Habits author James Clear says, "Just because it's not optimal, doesn't mean it's not beneficial." Narrow your focus and start small—even tiny. Build from there. Ask yourself: What is one tiny action that would create momentum? Focus there and the rest will take care of itself. Enjoy this? Share it with your network and follow me Sahil Bloom for more. P.S. I answer common questions I receive from subscribers in my free newsletter. Join 800,000+ others here: https://lnkd.in/esGsF85Q

How can you stay committed to long-term goals when progress feels so slow? We’ve all been there — that stretch where it seems like no matter how hard you work, you're just not seeing the results you hoped for. The temptation to quit is strong. So, how do you keep moving forward when success feels so far away? In The Long Game, I introduce a concept called "waiting for the raindrops." Instead of looking for the thunderstorm—the big, visible wins—train yourself to see the small signs of progress, those tiny raindrops that show you're moving in the right direction. These could be small changes, like: More people checking out your LinkedIn profile. A slight uptick in signups, even if they haven’t converted into sales yet. Positive feedback on a project, even if it's just a few comments. These are the raindrops that sustain your motivation. They remind you that your efforts are paying off, even if the full reward hasn't arrived yet. In today's world, it's easy to get discouraged when progress is slow. We want instant results, and when we don't get them, doubt creeps in. But recognizing these small wins keeps you on course, giving you the patience and resilience to keep pushing toward your ultimate goals. #motivation #careers #entrepreneurs #bestadvice

I’ve shared these 6 research-backed strategies with several friends wanting to avoid procrastination (at work and home), and they work every time: 1. Create a "Not-To-Do" List Most people focus entirely on what they need to accomplish. But research shows they should be equally focused on what they shouldn't be doing. Write down three things not to do alongside three things to do. If someone needs to clean their garage, their not-to-do list might include: • No Netflix  • Not putzing around in the kitchen  • Don’t check email/social before 10 a.m. Clarity on what to avoid creates mental space to focus on what actually matters. — 2. Make Public Commitments Studies show that public accountability increases follow-through. You can announce your goals on social media or to friends. For example: "I'm cleaning my garage this weekend and posting before/after photos on Monday. If anyone sees me scrolling Facebook, tell me to get back to work!" Public accountability creates just enough social pressure/accountability to push through resistance moments. — 3. Set Up Smart Barriers Shape your environment to make procrastination harder and progress easier. Digital barriers: • Create separate computer users (one for work, one for play) • Uninstall distracting apps from the work profile • Remove social media bookmarks • Install parental controls on their own devices Helpful shortcuts: • Set important apps to open automatically when they start their computer • Remove distracting apps from their phone's home screen • Keep only essential tools easily accessible — 4. Use the 5-Minute Starter Research shows that the hardest part of any task is simply starting. So I trick myself into it. I open the doc and write one sentence. I pull one box out of the garage. Once I start, momentum does the rest. That initial 5 minutes eliminates the mental barrier of "where do I even start?" — 5. Stop at the Peak (Never Finish Sections) Never end work at a natural stopping point. For example, I’m currently writing my next book and I never stop at the end of a section. I stop mid-sentence. The next day, I pick up exactly where I left off. There’s no inertia, no overthinking. (BTW my next book will ALSO start with a “C” can you guess what it will be?!?) — 6. Dream Big (Think Abstract) When bills pile up or clutter builds, it’s easy to stay overwhelmed. So I pause and visualize how I’ll feel after. A clean closet. An empty inbox. That emotional payoff actually helps push me through. These 6 simple shifts make it easier to follow through without relying on willpower.

I've struggled with procrastination for decades. For years, I willed myself to attack my todo list with limited success: working as a Staff Eng at Meta, teaching at Stanford, and running a YouTube channel. Here's how I achieved stress-free productivity: 1️⃣ Action leads to motivation. This is the most important thing to remember when you feel down. Don't wait for motivation to hit you. (you'll end up waiting forever!) Instead, just start making some progress toward your goal, and the motivation will follow after a few minutes. If you're doom-scrolling on Instagram, tell yourself that you simply want to open up your editor and start writing *something*. This is surprisingly effective. 2️⃣ Build a system. Create a system where it's easy to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing. Your willpower will change day by day (even hour by hour), so you can't rely on it. Make certain activities automatic based on time of day, e.g. 1 hour of deep work in the morning. This is a mind hack that capitalizes on the fact that simplicity changes behavior. Systems create simplicity. 3️⃣ Figure out what to work on. Your goal is not to be productive for the sake of productivity. Your goal is to make progress on something important. You need to figure out the few tasks that are the most meaningful and prioritize them. For example, you don't want to be known as the software engineer who is always replying to emails. Your prodigious productivity with emails is not why you're hired as an engineer. Focus on the important over the urgent. My full breakdown: https://lnkd.in/gDz7tRCy #productivity #LIPostingDayApril

There is something magical about starting a new year. You get to imagine a new reality. “We are going to launch this amazing new content strategy.” “I don't see any reason we can't grow marketing sourced pipeline 5x this year, we are just getting started” “We are finally going to launch that new social strategy” For the first few weeks of the year, the energy is palpable. Teams are organized, meetings are productive, and execution is on point. It feels like everything is falling into place. But then, February rolls in, and the grind sets in. Deadlines get missed. A few unexpected fires pop up. That exciting new campaign gets bogged down in revisions. And before you know it, all that January momentum starts to fizzle. You know the feeling: that burst of energy at the start of something new, followed by the slow realization that the real work isn’t as glamorous as the planning phase. But the true test of a marketing team’s is in their ability to execute the plan not in their ability to create it. The gritty, monotonous day-to-day grind is where the real change happens. The truth is most marketing teams fail at execution and that's one of the biggest reasons for lack of growth at companies. So how do you keep the excitement going past all your initial planning. Here are 3 ways: 1) Work in shorter cycles – 2-week sprints: Breaking down your projects into 2-week sprints can make tasks feel more manageable and keep momentum high. It’s a lot easier to stay focused and motivated when you’re constantly hitting small milestones and seeing progress. 2)Break down goals into monthly or weekly goals: Large goals can be overwhelming. By breaking them down into monthly or weekly targets, you create a series of attainable steps that guide your progress and keep you on track. This approach provides a clear path forward and helps maintain focus. 3)Celebrate small wins: Don’t wait until the end of a project to celebrate. Acknowledge and reward the small victories along the way. This can boost morale, keep the team motivated, and reinforce the value of consistent effort. So, next time you find yourself enamored with the planning phase, remember at the end of the day, it’s not the plan that matters – it’s the execution. If you need help executing this year - don’t hesitate to reach out.

As we head into the final quarter of the year, many of us are feeling the pressure to finish strong. I get asked a lot about how I stay energised and productive, especially with all the travel I do for work. I discovered early on in my career that the key to peak performance lies in managing my energy, not just my schedule. Here are a few things I’ve learned that help me keep my energy levels high—even during the busiest seasons: 1. Focus on what fuels you: For me, it’s staying hydrated, getting out for a run, and carving out moments of mindfulness. These little habits might sound simple, but they’re non-negotiable for keeping my energy up. 2. Work with your energy peaks: I’ve learned when I’m most productive, and I schedule my most important tasks during those high-energy windows. Instead of forcing myself to push through, I maximise my natural rhythm. 3. Rest is non-negotiable: Travelling can take a toll, so I’ve made it a habit to schedule downtime. Whether it’s grabbing a healthy meal or getting some quiet time, rest allows me to recharge and give my best to the work ahead. 4. Small habits, big impact: Regular breaks, avoiding distractions (hello, social media), and deep breathing exercises are simple but powerful ways to stay focused and energised throughout the day. As we head into Q4, I encourage you to ask yourself: How are you managing your energy? What’s one way you’ll prioritise your energy for the rest of the year? #EnergyManagement #FinishStrong #LeadershipTips

Ever felt like the Greek mythology character Sisyphus, tirelessly pushing a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down again? Such is the tug-of-war of self-motivation. Our innate tendency to resist persistent effort battles against our aspirations, seemingly unaffected by caffeine boosts or motivational quotes. Yet, the art of self-drive separates the high-achievers from the crowd. While motivation is a personalized puzzle, two decades of research unveil universal strategies to push past procrastination and reach your goals. Here are four main tactics. 1. Design Goals, Not Chores: Specificity is power! Aim for tangible targets rather than vague aspirations. Intrinsic motivation often surpasses extrinsic rewards. An Example: Instead of aiming to “improve sales,” set a target of “increasing sales by 10% in the next quarter” with a clear plan of action. 2. Find Effective Rewards: Rewards should encourage growth and productivity. Embrace the thrill of uncertainty. An Example: After securing a significant deal or finishing a big project, allow yourself an afternoon off or a leisurely lunch outside. Avoid rewards that might disrupt your productivity, like procrastinating on another project. 3. Sustain Progress: Divide your projects into manageable milestones. Celebrate those milestones but keep the end goal in sight. An Example: If you're working on a year-long project, set monthly targets. Celebrate when each is achieved, but as you near the end, keep your team's focus on the final product. 4. Harness the Influence of Others: Draw inspiration from efficient coworkers. Guiding and mentoring others can also reinforce your own goals. An Example: If you’re trying to improve punctuality in meetings, team up with a colleague who's always on time. Or, offer to mentor a junior colleague, reinforcing your own best practices in the process. Motivation in the workplace (and in life!) is a journey, not a destination. By adopting these strategies and maintaining a mindset of growth and adaptability, you can transform how you work. And you can also transform how you feel about your work. #Motivation #Mastery #Workplace #Learning #Growth #Productivity #Goals #Procrastination #SelfManagement #Talent