Finding Motivation in the Middle of Big Projects

On staying motivated after many rounds of revision. Multiple rounds of major revision can be draining, especially when it feels like you're rebuilding the plane mid-flight. Here’s are a few tips on how to motivated and grounded through it all: 1. Reframe It as a Collaboration, Not a Judgment See reviewers as (sometimes grumpy) collaborators helping to shape the best version of your work. Their feedback—however frustrating—is usually a signal that your ideas matter and are worth refining. 2. Track Progress, Not Just Completion Create a checklist of reviewer comments or revision goals and tick them off one by one. That visible progress (even if the paper’s not “done”) can be energizing. 3. Reconnect with Your "Why" When motivation dips, return to your core question: Why did this research matter in the first place? Re-engaging with your intellectual curiosity and purpose helps push through the mechanical grind of revision. 4. Build in Breaks and Boundaries Revision fatigue is real. Give yourself permission to step back when needed—rest protects your clarity and sharpness. It's a marathon, not a sprint. 5. Celebrate Micro-Wins Finished rewriting a tough section? Responded to Reviewer 2’s five-point rant? That’s a win. Treat it like one. Little celebrations create momentum. And bonus: Keep a “Praise Folder” — any positive feedback, encouraging comments, or earlier wins—when imposter syndrome hits (and it will), that folder can remind you: you’ve got this.

Procrastination isn't about time. It's about emotions. You're not lazy. Your brain is protecting you from difficult feelings. Fear. Anxiety. Self-doubt. I've seen it steal dreams. Maybe you have too. Here are 8 powerful ways to break free: 1. Create Space Between Trigger and Response 💬 "The moment I face a big task, I grab my phone." ➟ Pause for 30 seconds when avoidance hits ➟ Take three deep breaths ➟ Ask: "What tiny step can I take now?" 💡 Viktor Frankl: Our power lies in the space between trigger and response. Try: Set a 30-second timer next time you feel the urge to avoid. 2. Face Your Fears Head-On 💬 "I keep delaying because what if everything goes wrong?" ➟ Write down your worst-case scenarios ➟ Rate how likely each one is ➟ List one action to prevent each fear 💡 Named fears lose their emotional grip. Try: Write down your biggest fear about your delayed project. 3. Build Instant Rewards 💬 "Important tasks feel painful. Netflix feels good." ➟ Pair tough tasks with immediate pleasures ➟ Create small celebrations for completion ➟ Track your wins visually 💡 Your brain craves instant gratification. Use it to your advantage. Try: Choose one small reward for your next completed task. 4. Design Your Environment 💬 "My workspace doesn't inspire action." ➟ Place visual reminders of your goals ➟ Set out tools needed for tomorrow ➟ Remove distracting triggers 💡 Your environment shapes your behavior more than willpower. Try: Put one inspiring image where you'll see it tomorrow. 5. Use Social Power 💬 "I keep my goals private so I can't fail publicly." ➟ Tell someone your deadline ➟ Share progress updates ➟ Set public consequences 💡 Social pressure creates positive emotional urgency. Try: Text one friend about your next deadline. 6. Reset Your State 💬 "Bad moods make me avoid everything." ➟ Take a 2-minute meditation break ➟ Step outside briefly ➟ Do 5 jumping jacks 💡 Physical state changes create emotional shifts. Try: Stand up and stretch right now for 30 seconds. 7. Create When-Then Plans 💬 "I have good intentions but never follow through." ➟ Write specific action triggers ➟ Link habits to existing routines ➟ Remove decision points 💡 Clear plans bypass emotional resistance. Try: Write one "When X happens, I will do Y" statement. 8. Track Visible Progress 💬 "It feels like I'm getting nowhere." ➟ Use a progress calendar ➟ Mark daily wins ➟ Share your journey 💡 Seeing progress builds emotional momentum. Try: Draw a simple progress bar for your current project. Your dreams are waiting. Your emotions shouldn't stop you. Pick one strategy. Start now. Which one will you try first? ♻️ Repost if this resonated with you! 🔖 Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more.

I remember a time when I was overwhelmed. We were tasked with a $37M project to replace all hospital systems while moving to a brand-new facility. The stakes were high, and every decision felt crucial. At first, I overestimated what we could accomplish daily. We fell behind, which led to frustration and a dip in team morale. Something had to change. So, I shifted my focus to weekly goals. We started by validating our objectives, setting milestones, and grouping tasks by week instead of by day. This simple shift was transformative. We began hitting our targets, and those small wins kept the team motivated. The lesson? Plan for the long haul. Break down tasks, but ground your goals in reality. The key to success is realistic, achievable durations. While never losing sight of the major milestones. It’s what turned a daunting project into a significant achievement. ~~~ What techniques do you use for better planning? Have you had a project that seemed insurmountable until you made a pivot? What was your solution? ____ Follow me Timothy Morgan for more about enterprise project planning.