Starting a new project is exciting. The rush of fresh ideas, the feeling of possibility, and the enthusiasm to bring something to life can be truly exhilarating. But let’s be honest - staying motivated through the long haul? That’s another story. Let's talk about the strategies to stay motivated when working on a new course.
I’ve experienced this firsthand while revamping my Course Creation Bootcamp.
Unlike previous updates, this time, I’m completely dissecting and redoing everything from scratch. While I love the challenge, keeping myself accountable and ensuring I push through has required a strategic approach.
So, how do you stay motivated when working on a new project? Let’s dive into some practical ways to keep going even when the initial excitement fades.
Listen to this in a podcast episode:
The Motivation Slump is Inevitable
At the start of a project, motivation is high. You’re full of energy, diving into tasks with enthusiasm. But at some point - whether it’s a week, a month, or three months in - you’ll hit a wall.
Suddenly, the to-do list feels endless, doubt creeps in, and progress slows down. This is when many projects get abandoned.
I’ve seen this happen not just to myself but also to clients I’ve worked with. Some have spent months creating courses, designing slides, and setting up platforms, only to stop before launching. Why? Because they lost motivation and felt overwhelmed.
But here’s the truth: Motivation isn’t a magical force that sticks around. It’s something you have to actively cultivate.
Practical Strategies to Stay Motivated
1. Make It a Daily Habit
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to integrate your project into your daily routine. I use Asana to manage my tasks, and for this bootcamp, I created a daily task that simply says, Work on the bootcamp. There’s no specific requirement - just that I do something every single day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
Some days, I only review what I did the day before. Other days, I get into a flow and end up working for hours. The key is to maintain consistent engagement so the project never feels distant or forgotten.
2. Break It Down into Small Wins
Big projects can feel overwhelming because there’s so much to do. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain, break it into small, manageable steps.
For example, rather than thinking, I need to create an entire online course, I focus on one module, one lesson, or even just writing a few bullet points for a script. Each small win builds momentum and keeps you moving forward.
3. Revisit Your “Why”
When motivation starts to fade, go back to why you started in the first place. At the beginning of any project, write down your reasons:
Why is this important to you?
What impact will it have on your life or business?
How will it feel once it’s completed?
When you hit a slump, read through your “why” statement to reignite that initial passion.
4. Use a Project Management Tool
I organize my projects on Trello, which allows me to visually lay out all the steps. Each module and lesson has its own card, with checklists and notes attached. Having a clear visual roadmap makes it easier to track progress and stay on course.
Find a tool that works for you - whether it’s Asana, Notion, Monday.com, or even a simple notebook - and use it consistently.
5. Allow for Flexibility
Rigid plans can sometimes kill motivation. If you’re feeling uninspired by a particular task, shift gears and work on a different aspect of the project. If writing isn’t flowing, maybe focus on design. If you’re stuck on content, organize your materials instead. Giving yourself permission to work on different parts as your energy allows can help maintain progress.
6. Reframe the Hard Parts
Every project has aspects you don’t love. Maybe you dread recording videos, designing slides, or dealing with tech setup. Instead of seeing these as obstacles, try reframing them:
Instead of I hate recording videos, think Recording videos allows me to share my knowledge in a powerful way.
Instead of Tech setup is overwhelming, think This is the bridge that connects my work to my audience.
Shifting your mindset can make those dreaded tasks feel more manageable.
7. Celebrate Small Milestones
Recognizing progress keeps you motivated. Did you complete a module? Celebrate it. Finished designing your slides? Treat yourself. Each step forward is a win, and acknowledging those wins can keep your momentum going.
Final Thoughts
Motivation isn’t something you just “have” or “lose” - it’s something you create. By making your project a daily habit, breaking it down into small tasks, revisiting your purpose, and staying flexible, you can push through the inevitable dips and get to the finish line.
So if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, take one small action today. Open your project, do a five-minute task, and remind yourself why you started. Consistency is the real key to success.
Now, go make progress on that project - you’ve got this!
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPS
Listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Connect with me on Instagram @coursecreationlab
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