Tina Sieber for MakeUseOf.com writes: Are you longing to make changes in your life? If you’re about to start a new endeavor, whether it’s related to self development, a class you want to take, or ahome improvement project, we have some exercises that could increase your chance for success.
Planning and managing projects is something we all do more or less intuitively. Those who have been exposed to professional project management know of advanced tools and methods used to initiate and govern projects. But you don’t need to be a pro to do a good job; you just need a strategic approach.
The following exercises can help you visualize your future and implement step-by-step changes to work towards your goals.
What Is a Project?
Before we start, lets define what a project is. A project is a temporary undertaking with the objective to create a concrete outcome, such as a unique product or service.
The defining characteristics are temporary and concrete outcome. In other words, a project has a beginning and an end, and by the time it is completed, we ideally have produced the outcome we defined when starting the project. That said, projects can be iterative, i.e. you reach a milestone, define a new milestone, and continue this process ad infinitum; this “routine” is commonly found in software development and could also apply to self development.
An everyday routine, like checking the mailbox on weekdays or a habit like brushing your teeth or any other repetitive process, is not a project because it’s regular, not temporary, and doesn’t produce a concrete result. Implementing one of these as a habit, however, can be a project.
So how do you go about implementing a new project?
The Jar of Life
A new project needs space in your life. What if you have a full life already? You probably have a job, a family, friends, hobbies, pets, possibly other responsibilities that demand your time and attention, and very little time to spare.
How can you make time for something new? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers, but maybe this tale can give you an idea: SNIP, the article continues @ MakeUseOf.com, click here to continue reading…..