Long-Term Project? 6 Ways to Maintain Momentum and Motivation

It can be difficult—for everyone involved—to maintain momentum throughout the full course of a long-term project. Unlike short-term projects that cross the finish line fast and yield significant results quickly, projects that span several months, quarters or even years may go through ebbs and flows that can make everyone feel like progress is stalled.

In these situations, leaders need to tap into their experience and understanding to develop smart motivational strategies to keep the team focused and moving forward. Here, members of Business Journals Leadership Trust recommend some effective tactics for keeping your team on track and excited to celebrate each completed step of a long-term project.

1. Establish meaningful milestones.

Break the big vision into meaningful milestones. Long-term projects can feel overwhelming, but celebrating progress—not just results—keeps momentum high. Recognizing achievements through team shoutouts, small “wins” meetings or personal check-ins reinforces impact and fuels motivation. Short-term wins should build momentum, not distractions. This strategy works because it provides a continuous sense of accomplishment, preventing burnout and keeping the team engaged with the bigger mission. Stay future-focused, but agile enough to pivot when needed. When people see their efforts making a difference in real time, they stay inspired to push forward. – Crystal Lazar, Habitat for Humanity East & Central Pasco County

2. Reinforce the team’s commitment to finishing the job.

“We can do hard things.” Competitive advantage often comes down to who is willing to work hard and finish. If a team knows that they’ll stand out by not quitting, that can be motivation to get the job done and done well. Especially when it comes to long-term work, an understanding that a commitment to excellence and a commitment to completion can set a team apart can help employees stay focused on not just finishing, but finishing well. – Sam Davidson, Nashville Entrepreneur Center

3. Help them see the bigger picture.

A leader’s role is to help team members see the bigger picture. When people understand how their contributions directly affect the project’s success, they take ownership of their work. This sense of accountability not only keeps motivation high, but also drives consistent effort and engagement, helping teams push through challenges and stay committed throughout long-term projects. – Bill Rokos, Parsec Automation

4. Seek out the small wins.

Everybody wants to be part of a winning effort and wants to see progress. Celebrate the small wins. Did someone change a behavior? Recognize it. Did someone use a new tool, process or system? Celebrate it. Those things may seem inconsequential at the time, but when you start racking up the small wins, it signifies progress. – Gary Braun, Pivotal Advisors, LLC

5. Regularly revisit the project’s impact on everyone.

When keeping the team focused on the long game, revisiting the initiative’s impact on the company, the team and the individual can be effective. Outcomes matter and are meaningful motivators; regularly revisit the impact or desired outcomes with the team. Consider implementing a progress meeting or status updates in regular meetings to maintain focus. – Kent Lewis, pdxMindShare

6. Encourage team members to take time off.

If feasible, consider giving your employees a brief sabbatical at some point during the course of the project if their work can be covered. This is especially helpful for key employees who have been working nonstop for several years. It need not be expensive or extensive—just a breather to recharge and refocus. For some, it may just mean spending time with family or going on a trip. This time away will allow them to return refreshed and excited about the goals of the company as they see things from a different perspective. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Ventures