Handling a large project

Today, let's look at project planning and task management.

The first step in effective planning is deciding what you need to do and in what order. This is true whether you have many projects or several steps within one large project.

When you receive a large project, your first impulse may be to tackle it all at once. Instead, investigate how to scale it down into smaller projects. This can reduce anxiety and make your timeline more manageable.

You should allow yourself enough time to complete the project without rushing. If you believe a project will take you two days to complete, intend to put four days in the schedule. This provides a buffer for potential roadblocks. It also gives you time to review your project before handing it off.

Any project will never be perfect. A quest for perfection can bring a project to a standstill. While doing your best is important, you also must know when to declare the project finished. Set a hard limit for number of proofs and a deadline for feedback.

Be sure to reward yourself when you finish. Who says hard work is its own reward? Give yourself a pat on the back and treat yourself to a movie, a new book, or a fun gadget once your project is complete.