Momentum Matters: Keep Growing, Keep Going

Spring is nature’s quiet reminder: growth unfolds slowly, intentionally, and unseen at first. Beneath the surface, roots stretch deeper, preparing for blooms that take our breath away. Leadership mirrors this rhythm. We often enter the year charged with bold goals, energized by fresh vision and high expectations. But by May, reality sets in. Deadlines pile up, energy wanes, and distractions multiply. That early motivation? It can feel like a distant memory.

That’s the nature of the ‘in-between’ season—not quite the starting line, but far from the finish. It’s where the challenge lies: staying the course when progress slows.

If you’re feeling the drag or wondering how to keep your team inspired when progress isn’t moving as fast as you’d like, you’re not alone.

Momentum is fragile—but it’s also buildable.

Here are five ways I stay focused and help my clients sustain meaningful momentum during this stretch of the year.

1.  Reconnect to Your Why

If momentum wanes, clarity around purpose acts like a compass. What’s your true north?

When I feel lost in a whirlwind of tasks and my goals blur, I always go back to purpose.

• Why did I set this goal?
• How does it benefit the people I serve?

For leaders, purpose isn’t just a feel-good motivator; it’s a practical strategy. According to a McKinsey article, “People who live their purpose at work are more productive than people who don’t. They are also healthier, more resilient, and more likely to stay at the company.”

That’s a powerful reason to revisit the reason behind what you’re doing and reframe it for your team. Writing down my “why” and placing it visibly on my desk grounds me in moments of chaos. It’s a small act that keeps me focused when the to-do list tries to take over.

Consider asking your team: Why do we care about this work? Share those answers often—it builds trust and conviction that propel sustained momentum. The data backs this up.

2. Celebrate Small Wins Weekly

One of the fastest ways to kill momentum is to overlook progress. I used to wait to achieve a significant milestone before acknowledging success—until I realized I was missing dozens of micro-wins that mattered just as much.

An interesting shift happened when I acknowledged a colleague’s creative solution to a minor problem. That little celebration sparked new energy for the entire team.

Now, I make it a point to celebrate something every week. It could be a client breakthrough, a team achievement, or even just getting through a challenging conversation with grace.

Harvard Business Review found that making progress in meaningful work—even small steps—boosts motivation and engagement more than any other factor. (Source)

Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate. A thoughtful email, a shared win in a team meeting, or a quick personal note works wonders. That’s momentum in action. It thrives on consistent acknowledgment—not perfection. And that’s where the next strategy comes in.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Perfection might seem noble, but it’s often the enemy of momentum. It invites hesitation, second-guessing, and burnout.

I vividly remember endlessly tweaking every detail before launching a project to get it right. As the weeks passed, the perfect vision in my head became the roadblock. I finally embraced a progressive approach, delivering an imperfect draft. It turned out that shift was the exact thing that sparked meaningful discussion and progress.

Now, I remind myself—and my clients—that leadership is iterative. It’s not necessarily about flawless execution. The goal is progress, not perfectly polished outcomes on the first try.

This mindset shift is especially helpful when launching something new or navigating transitions. Done (with integrity) is better than perfect. Your willingness to move, adapt, and refine over time invites progress and resilience.

Allowing yourself to focus on the journey rather than the destination reduces stress and promotes a healthier work-life balance.

4. Protect Your Energy

Leadership requires intentionality, especially when our natural tendency is to go all out at full speed.

As someone who’s wired to give 110%, I’ve learned (the hard way) that sustained momentum requires sustainable habits. Without energy, there is no momentum—only motion on fumes. It wasn’t until I started scheduling mid-day walks and resetting boundaries that I felt fully present again.

If this sounds familiar, pause and reevaluate. Try regularly asking yourself:

• Am I overcommitted?
• What’s draining me this week?
• Where can I set a boundary or let go?
• How can I make space for rest or creativity?

I use this mini check-in often with my clients—and the clarity it brings is powerful.

Even a 15-minute walk between meetings can give me enough mental clarity to come back more present and productive. Leaders don’t need to do more—we need to be more intentional with how we show up.

Energy isn’t infinite, but it is renewable, with care. 

5. Keep Your Vision in Sight

When results slowly manifest, don’t lose sight of the horizon. Instead, revisit the bigger picture. Consider what you’re building, who it benefits, and the long-term impact. Your answers won’t erase challenges, but they will shift perspective when things are unclear.

Leaders who consistently paint the vision for their teams—especially when things are hard—create trust and alignment. Even if the path isn’t perfectly clear, the destination still can be.

Here’s a simple practice: at the end of each week, take five minutes to write a short recap email or voice note to your team. Share what moved forward, what you’re proud of, and where you’re headed.

Consistent reinforcement builds belief, and belief sustains momentum.

Final Thoughts

Spring is a season of possibility, but staying in motion requires patience and intention. The middle stretch of any journey can feel slow or repetitive. That doesn’t mean you’re off track—you’re growing.

Momentum doesn’t come from big moves alone. It’s built through consistent daily actions that inch forward over time. So, take one small step today. Write it down, celebrate it, and keep showing up. Growth is happening—even now.

Keep growing. Keep going.