Are you still waiting for the “perfect time” to tackle a project that has been sitting on your to-do list for months? That one project that has been stopped and started numerous times, the one that AI can’t quite solve yet.  Maybe you have old paper files that must be organized and put into storage. Or how about that idea to minimize the hand-offs that are needed to execute the onboarding of a customer? Spoiler alert: the time to tackle it is now, and it’s easier than you think.
 
Projects like these typically start out as low value work that leaders expect a few interns to handle. Pretty soon other teams hear it has kicked off. Then templates, vendors, and approvals start flying around. The whole project turns into a logistical and record-keeping monstrosity! By the time the actual work begins, a fire drill sends everyone’s attention in another direction. Those half-packed boxes continue to sit in a corner.   
 
Is it worth the risk of waiting for that project to become one of those fire drills? You could just keep kicking the can down the road but don’t forget the definition of insanity – doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results. Maybe it’s time to try a different approach…
 
Slow and steady wins the race –  Break the massive project into tiny milestones. Instead of “launch the platform,” the next milestone is “interview the frontlines about their part of the process.” Celebrate every mini win to build momentum. This approach lowers feeling overwhelmed and keeps progress consistent even if it’s not flashy at first.

Support from leadership – As a leader, visibly champion the project. A two-minute endorsement in a big team meeting, a short kickoff email, or attend a few working sessions can legitimize the project. It signals, “this matters”.
Energy – Reframe the project as an opportunity, not a burden. Try adding upbeat music working sessions, gamify the small wins, or have leaders give shout outs at meetings to high performing teams. High energy draws people back in when a project feels stale or complicated.

Competition – Create a friendly rivalry between teams or individuals. Example: “If work is submitted, you get to skip the weekly meeting!” Celebrate wins with simple prizes (green lanyards for projects that are in good standing, mini Payday or 100 Grand candy bars, or just bragging rights). It taps into natural human motivation without making the project feel heavier.

Autonomy – Instead of over-prescribing, give people ownership. Tell them what outcome is needed, but not how to get there. Example: “We need to reduce system errors by 25%. You decide the best approach.” Autonomy boosts creativity and investment — especially critical when the project has hit dead ends before.
 
It’s time to unburden yourself from that project and give others a chance to shine. 
 
When you’re ready to turn chaos into progress, give us a call!
 
Keep turning that chaos into progress, 
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