Long-range projects. Could you use some tips to help finish that project you started with gusto, which is currently lagging?
Before getting into the meat of this topic, my basic assumption is you already have competency in planning out a long-term project.
If your project is well defined, with clear objectives, it means you have a work plan, manageable tasks and activities, issue management and a deadline, among other components.
Note: For this blog, I interviewed several professionals about long-range projects, including computer programmers, scientific researchers, and editors. I also drew upon my own experience.
This is a companion blog to What’s Your Plan for the Rest of the Year? Read it here.
Long-range projects
Projects that take more than a month or two:
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- Learning a new skill
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- Writing a book, article, or your life story
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- Building something large or starting a new product
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- Expanding your business
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- Learning an instrument
For instance, say your long-term goal is to learn about and implement communication or time management skills to make them part of your life. Or perhaps you want to be more mindful, so the stress of the workplace doesn’t affect you as much. All worthy goals.
Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and that’s why we need to talk about the next point.
Issue management
If you hit a roadblock (or two, or ten) what are they—and does your team have ideas for overcoming those hurdles?
I recommend brainstorming all foreseeable obstacles in the planning phase of the project. And remember, two brains are better than one while brainstorming. Get together with several colleagues involved in the project, or a coach or mentor during this phase.
Why do this during the planning phase?
“Separate the deciding from the doing.” It is more efficient.
After brainstorming, take steps to plan for any roadblocks. Decide ahead of time how you will handle issues when they come up.
What strategies can you and your team come up with to counter possible obstacles? What resources and information will you need? Make sure you know which experts to call upon for a variety of crises.
Planning will prevent panic and help people stay on track.
While I was creating my time management mini classes, I hit a snag. Just trying to find a video editor during the Pandemic was difficult. I checked with the videographer I had planned to hire, but he had moved and stopped making videos (like many videographers during that time).
I didn’t panic. I simply had to go back to the drawing board. After a lengthy search, I finally found a great video editor, a woman, who was conscientious and detail-oriented. Such a relief!
Then, I resumed my project and completed the three videos: Handling Interruptions: Don’t let them ruin your day, Time Estimating, and Prioritizing With the Matrix. Click here to take a look.
Maintaining motivation
1. If the project was your idea, revisit the reasons for doing it, and focus on the benefits that get you pumped up. 
Sometimes you are so excited at the beginning of a project and have all these ideas and dreams, but after a few months your energy starts to lag.
I know about finishing long projects. It takes vision and grit. After all, I’ve created a nonfiction book, Get Organized Quick, and built a huge website.
“Commitment is doing the thing you said you were going to do long after the mood you said it in has left you.”
Darren Hardy
Say you’ve decided to learn an instrument. How will your life expand as you make progress? You’ll delight family and friends. Also, as you improve, you may entertain people, play in a group, feel camaraderie, and gain new friends.
Or, in business, you may decide to gain a new skill like project management, public speaking or delegation as you get into leadership. It can take months or years to master these skills.
2. To maintain motivation, try visualization
What is the pinnacle of your success? Picture yourself getting the golf trophy, receiving the promotion, receiving applause and accolades for speaking at an all-hands meeting. Though it may sound silly, visualization is employed by Olympic athletes, CEOs, and other high achievers. It’s in this way they break through self-made barriers and break through limiting beliefs.
If the project was handed to you by a superior, and team members are not enthused, what can you do to cultivate enthusiasm for it?
Since this article focuses on those who need a little ‘push,’ we will look at it from the angle that the project has lost steam.
3. Small steps or sprints
If momentum is lagging, is it possible you need to adjust your short-term goals, if you haven’t reached a milestone in a while.
This means dividing your long-term goal into smaller steps or sprints. Reaching a weekly or bi-weekly goal keeps motivation high because teams see they are getting closer to the big goal.
Make sure to celebrate those achievements, especially when the team reaches a milestone.
5 tips for motivation:
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- Focus on the WHY of the project
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- Name the benefits
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- Remind yourself of the original inspiration
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- Get a pep talk from a mentor
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- Plan the reward or celebration for project completion
Conclusion
Completing a long-range project takes planning, skill, leadership and grit. When working with a team, keep everyone focused and set small milestones to celebrate. This will keep everyone driving toward the finish. Whereas, when working solo, seek to maintain motivation and focus on the benefits you will gain.
What are your strengths regarding project management? Moving forward, focus on the tip I shared that will help you the most.
I’d love to hear how this helped you!
Please comment here or share on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Resources
This is a companion blog to What’s Your Plan for the Rest of the Year? Read it here.
Image by vecstock on Freepik
