Jump-Start Ideas For Stalled Out Projects

“You can’t drive a parked car.” I heard this phrase many years ago, and it’s a good reminder that when something isn’t moving forward, it’s on me to figure out how to get it out of the parking lot. The car isn’t going to magically put itself into drive, I need to get it there.

But more often than not, by this point I’ve lost momentum. It’s science, really. A body in motion tends to stay in motion. So, what can be done to get moving again?

At Kinetic, we have become pros at jump-starting stalled projects. Here are our top tips to get your project up and running again:1. Begin by beginning
Half of the battle is just devoting time to get back into something that no longer feels easy or intuitive to complete. Spend a little time reminding yourself of the goals for the project, then give yourself space to think and/or research. Brilliant steps forward may start to emerge when you allow yourself time to refocus.

2. Identify the roadblock
Do you need more information or a decision from someone? Or maybe you need to ask for help. Make a plan for how to get what you need, and don’t be afraid to ask others for ideas. Attack the roadblock!

3. Get accountable
Set up status calls or one-on-ones to track progress and create actionable tasks. We know we’ll work hard to avoid having to tell someone we didn’t make any progress. But more than that, reporting to someone can give you the support you need to get you to the next step.

4. Course correct
Don’t be afraid to make some changes when you discover the things that are inefficient, slowing you down or just plain in the way. Identify some different options or alternate routes that still get you to your goal.

5. Set a date
A meeting on the calendar will hold you and others on your team accountable for getting tasks done. Deadlines can actually be lifelines because they help us to know what we need to prioritize and when we need to do it.

Then don’t forget to celebrate! This doesn’t have to happen at the end of a project. Pausing to acknowledge milestones may be just the motivation you need to keep moving forward!

So, what’s in your parking lot?