You don’t have to finish the project to feel like it’s working— you just have to start.

When you start a data cataloging project, it’s easy to assume you’ll feel successful when everything is done. You imagine every table described, every report linked, every glossary term in place. But here’s the truth:

You might never be “done.” And that’s okay. That’s just how these projects work.

Success isn’t waiting for you at the finish line. It’s something you can feel in week one if you know what to look for.

Let’s talk about what it really means to feel like you’re winning.

Progress is a Feeling

Most projects don’t fail because the tool doesn’t work or because people don’t care. They stall or lose traction because the people doing the work don’t feel like they’re getting anywhere.

If you've ever thought:

• "We’ve had this tool for months, but I haven’t really used it.”
• “There’s so much to do, I don’t even know where to start.”
• “I'm busy and don't have time for this right now.” (This is one I hear all the time. It’s probably the most common thing people say, and it makes total sense.)
• “Leadership keeps asking about ROI and I don’t have anything to show them...”

You're not alone.

Data cataloging can feel like a moving target. There’s always something else to document, improve, or untangle. That’s why it’s so easy to feel like you’re behind, even when you’re making real progress.

You don’t need a complete project to feel successful. You just need traction: something visible, tangible, and real. A sense of forward motion.

That’s how momentum builds and turns effort into engagement.

Five Small Wins That Create Big Momentum

You don’t need to boil the ocean. You just need to do one thing and let that lead to the next. Here are five wins that are small enough to feel possible but meaningful enough to change your mindset.

1. Connect to one data source

Don’t start by integrating everything. Just connect to one source. Even a sandbox will do. That single connection proves the tool works. And so do you.

2. Profile one table

Choose a table and run profiling. Let it show you something interesting: nulls, uniqueness, distribution. You don’t need to act on it yet. Just see what’s there. Get curious.

3. Write one table description

Pick one table. Add a sentence that explains what it is or how it's used. It doesn’t have to be polished. It just has to exist. Even a rough first draft is a meaningful step forward.

4. Define five glossary terms you use all the time

Start with the basics. Terms like “customer,” “transaction,” or “active.” What do you mean when you use them? Glossaries don’t need to be perfect—just clear. And clarity is progress.

5. Email your manager one cool thing you learned

This one might be the most important. Send a quick message:

Hey– I’ve been working in Dataedo and found out I can [insert thing]. I thought that was cool and just wanted to share.

Those two sentences take what you've learned and make it visible. It shows that something’s happening. It gives your manager something to share with their leadership when ROI comes up.

Most importantly, it gives you that feeling: this matters.

You’re Doing Better Than You Think

Be kind to yourself. Most people don’t start fast; they start unsure. They try something, it half-works, they try again. That’s how it starts.

Don’t confuse imperfection with failure. Forward is still forward.

Everyone who succeeds starts in the same place: uncertain, under pressure, and unsure if they’re doing it right. They just kept going.

Want to Feel Like You’re Winning? Act Like You Are.

Try one thing today. Just one. Then tomorrow, do another.

Winning isn’t about crossing a finish line; it’s about rhythm, routine, and staying in motion. And it’s about recognizing that every small step is a meaningful one.

You don’t need to boil the ocean. You don’t need to hit a moving target. You just need to move.

You’ve got this!

So what’s next? Keep going. Small wins don’t just feel good. They create the momentum that carries you forward.

P.S. If you’d like help, download Your First Month Checklist, Your Data Catalog Reboot Checklist, or reach out to your Data Success Manager. We’re here to help you feel like you’re winning—because you are.