As you probably already know, when we talk about SMART goals we mean goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.
But when you’re planning a project – either at home or at work – it often helps if you set yourself smaller, manageable goals because when you have a series of smaller goals, you know the next step you have to take. And when you know what you have to do, you get on and do it without procrastinating. That feeling of fear/worry is removed.
So, knowing the next step is vital for staying positive and calm!
When I’m working on a project and complete a mini-goal, I always write on a sticky note what the next step is, so that when I pick up the job again I can see immediately what I have to do. You’d be amazed how much time this saves because it means I don’t have to back-track.
If I’m waiting for someone to provide information, I’ll put a note on the document reminding me what I need to do next, when I have that information.
Fear of the unknown is stressful. Knowing what the next step is quashes that fear.
Let’s look at an example. If you’ve never decorated a room before, not knowing where to start is daunting. But, if you spend a few moments thinking about it, you may develop a plan of action, comprising a series of mini-goals like this:
- Empty the room of all its contents. That’ll make the job easier.
- Strip all the wallpaper off the walls and fill any holes.
- Sand down all the paintwork and do any plastering.
- Wipe everything down.
- Paint the ceiling first, so if paint spills on the old carpet or on the un-papered walls, it doesn’t matter.
- Paint the door, doorframe and skirting boards because emulsion paint can be wiped off woodwork, but gloss paint can’t be wiped off wallpaper.
- Paper the walls.
- Pull up the old carpet.
- Lay the new flooring.
- Return furniture to the newly decorated room.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it, when you look at it this way? And if it doesn’t sound easy then perhaps you should think about calling someone in and paying them to do the job! This brings me neatly onto another important point about projects at home or at work. At home, if you know you’re not good at DIY then it might be more effective to pay someone to do jobs – you can then use your time to do things you are good at or which you enjoy. In the same way at work, if you know that a particular thing isn’t your strong point then either make time to master it or consider delegating the job to someone who is more capable – then use the time you have saved to work on something more rewarding.
So, back to the main point of this blog: when you have a big project, always break it down into smaller, more manageable goals and your project will become much more achievable.
And if you feel that project management is something you’d like to know more about then visit our website for more details of the course we offer.
Author: Diana Nadin
