The Value of Momentum: Why Progress Beats Perfection

Admin Account
Jun 11
3 min read

We Don’t Need Perfect. We Need Progress.

We’ve all been there — stuck behind a wall of backlog tickets, project planning sessions, or analysis paralysis, waiting for the “right” time to start. But the truth is, there’s rarely a perfect time. More often than not, the best thing you can do is pick something, make some progress, and build from there.

This is exactly what productivity experts call the “power of momentum.” That first step, no matter how small, sets the tone for everything that follows. One ticket becomes two. Two becomes a sprint. A sprint becomes a deliverable. And suddenly, your team is humming.

A close-up of dominoes set up in a row, poised to fall in a classic chain reaction on a textured gray background.

Momentum Beats Motivation — Every Time

The Lifehack article nails this: motivation is fleeting, but momentum builds on itself. We often wait to feel ready before starting, but waiting for motivation is like waiting for perfect weather to go for a walk — you’ll be inside all week. Just lace up your shoes and go.

That’s the secret. It’s not about a giant leap. It’s about the tiniest movement forward — replying to one email, writing a single paragraph, updating one ticket. The act of starting often creates its own energy.

Why Teams Respond So Well to Movement

The Fun Dept. article makes a brilliant point — momentum boosts team culture. When teams see visible signs of progress, it creates a feedback loop of confidence and energy. People want to contribute. Priorities become clearer. Blockers get raised earlier. The team starts collaborating more naturally because the inertia is gone.

In my experience, even something as simple as moving a card from “To Do” to “In Progress” can trigger the change. Once there’s forward movement, it’s easier to communicate, unblock, prioritise, and execute.

Momentum Makes the Big Stuff Smaller

One of the best effects of momentum is how it reduces overwhelm. That project that felt like a mountain? You’ve already taken the first few steps. It’s not a mountain anymore — it’s a series of actions, many of which are now behind you.

It reminds me of a quote I really like from Admiral William H. McRaven, who gave a famous commencement address at the University of Texas. He said:

“If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.”

That idea — that momentum starts with a small win — really sticks with me. Making your bed doesn’t change the world, but it gives you something you can tick off. Something that sets the tone. It’s a simple, practical metaphor for how the smallest movement forward can spark a cascade of progress.

This is the same principle behind habit stacking and atomic habits — once you’re moving, the next action feels less like a decision and more like a continuation.

Speed is the Outcome, Not the Goal

You don’t need to be fast from day one. In fact, trying to be fast before you're moving often results in burnout or sloppy work. But once momentum takes hold, speed naturally follows. Less time is spent on status updates, checking priorities, or re-aligning. You’re already aligned — you’re in motion.

So What Do You Do With This?

Here’s the cheat sheet:

Start with the smallest possible task. The easier the win, the faster the momentum builds.
Don’t wait for full clarity — action creates clarity.
Create visible signals of progress (Kanban boards, stand-up wins, weekly demo sessions).
Celebrate even modest movement. Teams thrive on it.
Track progress — it compounds and reinforces your sense of movement.

“You don’t need to run. Just walk. Then walk again tomorrow.”

Closing Thought: Movement is the Multiplier

Momentum isn’t just about task completion — it’s about energy. Confidence. Flow. And that momentum is accessible to everyone. You just have to take the first step — no matter how small.