Why you should embrace incremental momentum

The start of the New Year is ripe for mentally preparing for success. But, the journey toward a goal isn’t always clear. Philosophers often comment on what the trajectory looks like.

 

Desmond Tutu, the famous anti-apartheid bishop, once said: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”.

 

Tutu’s famous words describe what progress can look like. Little by little, small changes transform the bigger picture.

 

Incremental momentum is what experts refer to when transformation happens a little bit at a time. Coining the term, author and business executive Seth Godin says: “Incremental daily progress (negative or positive) is what actually causes transformation. A figurative drip, drip, drip”.

 

This philosophy applies to charities undergoing change and is hence why charities need to embrace incremental momentum.

 

 

Why it works

 

Goals may appear lofty when they are far in the future, or, removed from the day job. Staying on task and focusing takes a bit of incremental momentum.

 

Writing for LinkedIn, the CEO of boAT Lifestyle, Vivek Gambhir says that small, daily changes add up. Moreover, dedicating a few minutes a day to something can and should be built into the goal-setting process.

 

He says: “Starting with 15 minutes a day helps you break through the paralysing inertia created by the lofty end goal. From big things done occasionally, you reorient your focus towards little things done consistently”.

 

To summarise the logic, marketing firm Vector Impact outlines the main points:

• Incremental change makes larger transformations less daunting
• Small changes build momentum over time
• The trajectory balances long versus short-term goals.

Put in perspective, charities can use this action strategy across different functions and operations.  

 

 

Tackling big changes

 

Climate change and reducing impact is one pressing goal. However, the task seems gigantic when considering the global monumental task at hand. Incremental momentum is one way to level that aim.

 

Charities are already doing their part by making small, daily changes. This includes printing only when necessary, and if so, on both sides of the paper; reducing the heating; and slowly implementing ESG policies. Ultimately, minor lifestyle adjustments add to much bigger impacts when they are coordinated.

 

 

Making steady changes to advance digital strategy

 

Implementing digital strategy isn’t done overnight. Bridging the digital divide between basic and advanced operations is challenging both from a learning and cost stand point.

 

Incremental momentum yields practical results when applied to digital strategy.

 

The consultancy Giant Digital explains. They use the 1% principle of improvement. Rather than trying to jump head-first into change, they suggest trying to improve just 1% of most aspects. Rather than attempting to create a viral campaign at launch, they recommend taking a more measured approach.

 

Use the 1% principle to improve specific metrics. For digital strategy, the company recommends boosting efforts in website traffic, brand statistics, and social media engagement.

 

Target increasing the key performance indicators by 1% in all areas ensures that progress is made. Here, incremental momentum works across multiple areas of reporting and strategy. 

 

 

Fundraising with incremental goals

 

Incremental momentum is also inspirational. Especially for charity fundraisers, setting multiple goals towards the ultimate finish line sustains motivation.

 

Classy outlines the advantages. They offer the observation that: “A series of modest steps will reduce fear, clarify direction, and increase the probability of your success.”

 

In practice, setting incremental fundraising goals means breaking down the total target into manageable milestones. At each inflection, let audiences celebrate.

 

According to Classy, pausing to appreciate each achievement inspires and incentivises further action. Strategically using the incremental momentum approach may also help digital managers avoid a mid-campaign lull.

 

 

How to talk about the incremental approach

 

Whenever a new strategy is launched, communication is key. During the fundraising process, let teams know what progress has been made. Shout out on social media. Tag key audience members or those who are having an indelible impact.

 

The approach doesn’t always have to be about the total goal – digital teams can mention and give credit to key speakers, motivators, volunteers, or those making a special effort.   

 

For charities pressing on with change internally, The Harvard Business Review deep dives into how to do it. They note that progress, even when small, helps staff stay engaged and motivated.

 

According to their survey, they found that: “small but consistent steps forward, shared by many people, can accumulate into excellent execution, progress events that often go unnoticed are critical to the overall performance of organizations.”

 

Put squarely on the shoulders of managers, they can help staff see how they are contributing to overall aims.