Michelle LaBrosse, Founder of Cheetah Learning, says momentum is crucial in working on new projects – someting we all need to maintain…
Momentum is a very powerful thing. In physics, momentum = mass x velocity. The cool thing about momentum is that the faster an object is moving, the harder it is to stop.
This is also true for any project that you are working on. Accomplishing project tasks (gaining ‘mass’) in a quick and efficient manner (gaining ‘velocity’) can create momentum for your project that can bear through the toughest problems and bring your project to completion.
Consider this – just one brick can stop a train from beginning its journey down the tracks. But once a train has gained momentum, it can crash through an entire brick wall. The same is true for projects that you work on in life.
Momentum is key, and here is how you can achieve it.
What is stopping you from getting started on your lingering project?
We’ve all heard the saying that ‘the hardest part is getting started’, but why is that? Fear is one of the most common ‘bricks’ that needs to be dealt with in order to get your project in motion.
This is a tricky obstacle to remove because fear can hide in so many shapes, and we tend to make excuses for our fear. To overcome this obstacle you need to stop making excuses, face your fear, and start moving.
Once you have removed the bricks are ready to get moving, it is now time to build the mass of your project in terms of resources and plans. In the beginning this includes a Project Charter, Project Agreement, and obtaining buy-in from the key stakeholders in your project. When building mass, you are bringing the concept of the project to life and giving substance and direction to your project.
Parkinson’s law states that: “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.” This means the more time you give yourself, the slower your train will move. Speed things up by creating a sense of urgency for your project tasks, and practice setting fast-paced goals that keep everyone on your project team on the move while remaining accountable.
Throughout your project you need to stop and see – is your project headed in the direction that you anticipated? Is the momentum that you are achieving brining you closer to your goals, or further away?
Related stories: Marco Azzaretti – Keeping the Pace
In your project team, make sure you toot your horn at the first sign up trouble. Instead of avoiding or hiding problems, run to them and make them known so they can be fixed fast.
You have the ability to gain momentum and create an unstoppable force with whatever projects you tackle – you just need to get started. When you are able to reach a high level of momentum quickly and consistently with your projects, you will find yourself on the gravy train to success.
Find out how you can find your momentum on any project with Cheetah’s 60 PDU Cheetah Action Project.
