As a former teacher, mentor, and coordinator, I managed numerous projects over the years, all while staying focused on my primary mission: guiding and teaching young minds. There were many late nights and weekends devoted to launching a successful project. I had to learn to stay organized, be flexible, and be prepared for the unexpected. (Murphy’s law always seems to find a way to sneak in!)
Big projects can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can make a huge difference. Whether planning a project alone or with a team, it is important to have a clear vision. Here are a few tips I have learned over the years.
- Set a deadline first
In the words of Stephen Covey, “Begin with the end in mind.” By setting your deadline at the outset, you prioritize the end goal and customer needs, helping to create a clearer vision from the start. This approach keeps you focused on the desired outcome, ensuring every decision and action aligns with your goal. It also provides a sense of direction, making it easier to overcome challenges along the way. - One step at a time
Big projects can feel overwhelming, but if you break them down into smaller steps, it will start to feel much more manageable. Besides, it keeps the momentum going all the way to the finish line. Organize your to-do list around key milestones, making sure everything needed for the next phase is ready before moving forward. From there, it is easy to build out a clear project plan. - Hold regular “Check-in” meetings
Decide who is responsible for each task and schedule meetings to make decisions, review progress, and flag any new ideas or problems. This helps keep everything on track and communication flowing. - Decide and Commit to the Process
As you conduct research for the project, avoid getting stuck in the “endless research” phase. (I am guilty of this!) Often, the information you need to make a decision is already at hand. Trust the process and move forward with confidence. - Build in Flexibility
Once you’ve made your decision, build in extra time for the larger milestones — things often take longer than you think. Remember Murphy? - Know When to Invest
Even with a small budget, bringing in outside pros for critical tasks (like building a professional website or handling legal paperwork) can save time and keep everything moving smoothly. - Keep your eyes on the outcome
Whenever motivation wanes, visualize the final event. Imagine the atmosphere, the sounds, and the positive feedback from guests. Visualizing the impact and the reactions makes all the difference in staying focused and motivated.
Big projects can be daunting, but they don’t have to be. Using these simple, but effective steps, you’ll find that even the largest of projects can be broken down into achievable milestones, making success feel more like an inevitable outcome than an overwhelming challenge.
What are some strategies you have used to tackle a project?