The Progress principle

Let's meet John. John a middle-aged, out-of-shape plumber, was more used to lounging on his couch with a beer than running races. But when his friends dared him to run 1.5 km between two villages, he couldn’t resist. The challenge itself was enough to get him moving, but the promise of a big, cheesy burger waiting at the finish line sealed the deal. How hard could it be?

The answer came quickly—200 meters in, and John was already regretting everything, his legs heavy, and his breath short. Every step felt like a struggle, and the urge to quit grew stronger. But then, he spotted the village sign ahead. He realized he had covered some ground, and the sight of progress gave him a spark of hope. "Let’s go, you’ve got this," he muttered, his spirits lifting slightly. With each passing meter, his goal felt closer, and when he saw a red dot in the distance—something beyond the finish line—his confidence grew. “I’m really doing it,” he told himself, and suddenly, the race felt less daunting. The closer he got, the easier it seemed, as each bit of progress fueled his determination.As the goal line came into view, John was still breathing heavily, his body aching, but his focus sharpened. He pushed through the final stretch, each step lighter than the last, motivated by the progress he had made. The struggle now felt worth it, and crossing the finish line filled him with pride. “I’ve done it... now give me my burger!"

The concept of the progress principle is effectively articulated in Teresa Amabile's work. Breaking goals into smaller chunks and focusing on small wins is a clear and practical approach. Achieving these small wins can help us navigate challenging phases and tackle larger problems. In running, we use landmarks to signify our progress toward our goals. Similarly, in the startup world, an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) serves as an initial step in the right direction, and a successful social media campaign often starts with the first post. It’s crucial to see the end goal, but what if it feels out of reach? To make the end more visible, it’s often most effective to break down big ideas and goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach makes the next goal seem within reach and helps harness our extra energy.How do you apply this principle?