It’s easy to get discouraged when a project starts dragging.
An IT implementation that’s behind schedule. A marketing campaign that’s stalling. A new hire who’s struggling to find their footing.
In the middle of the mess, it’s tempting to believe the finish line is still far away.
But often? We’re closer than we think.
Why Projects Feel Hardest Near the End
Momentum seems to slow down near the finish line.
The early work runs on adrenaline. (You know the feeling: high-octane kickoff meetings, lots of big ideas, fresh budget, optimism all around.)
Then reality sets in: bugs to fix and integrations to test. Budget starts to run thin, and morale starts to decline.
But that slowdown doesn’t mean failure. It’s a natural part of the process.
Sometimes, the last 20% of work feels like the longest stretch. But that same 20% often drives 80% of the results.
Think about it:
The IT project that’s been stuck for weeks finally clicks when one integration is solved.
The salesperson who’s been chasing a deal for months lands it after one key conversation.
The new employee who’s been struggling suddenly becomes a top performer once the process finally clicks.
The product in development finally clears a major regulatory hurdle that required lots of back-and-forth with external stakeholders.
Progress isn’t always linear.
It often gets messy in the middle.
Signs You’re Closer Than You Think
You’re still solving new problems.
That’s a sign of progress, not failure. It means you’re deep enough in the work to surface the real challenges.The issues are getting smaller.
If the roadblocks are about details, not overall direction? You’re almost there.You see patterns emerging.
Early chaos turning into structure is what the turning point looks like.People are frustrated but still engaged.
Frustration means they care. Disengagement means they’ve given up.
How to Push Through
Zoom out. Revisit why the project matters. Context creates energy.
Recommit to the finish line. Set a short, realistic timeline to get it done.
Celebrate partial wins. They remind the team progress is real.
Cut the noise. Focus on the blockers that truly matter. Identify the biggest bottleneck and pour resources and effort into clearing it.
Final Thought
Every meaningful project hits the wall eventually.
The difference between teams that finish strong and those that fizzle out isn’t brilliance. It’s endurance.
If you’re seeing signs of life, stay in the fight.
You might be just one good week away from a breakthrough.