Paul and I are starting a recruiting project to bring 30-40 counselors to Collegewise this year in 10-15 different markets. And after discussing today what we need to accomplish in 2014, we were excited, but also overwhelmed. It’s a mammoth undertaking for two people running a business. We could feel our stress rising along with our energy waning. So we focused on two specific questions:
1. What are the things that need to be done first?
2. Of those first items, which pieces and parts can we get done this week?
The answers to #2 are where we will put our time and attention for the next four days. As soon as we made that decision, we had momentum on our side. Our focus and energy came back. We left "overwhelmed" behind and were back to "excited."
The best way to build momentum is to get something small done quickly. Small success and quick wins lead to bigger accomplishments. The more small things you get done, the more control and confidence you have to tackle the bigger challenges.
Whether you’re starting a research project, reorganizing a department, or taking on a large fundraiser for the PTA, if you feel the sheer magnitude of your project sapping your energy, pick one thing, preferably something directly in your control that you can get done quickly, and focus your energy there. When you get that first part done well, acknowledge the win and move on to the next part. Building on your little victories is the path to your big win.