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5 Golden Rules for Project Planning and Task Management

1. Prioritize First
It doesn't matter whether you have many projects or many steps within one large project. The crucial first step is to decide what you need to do and in what order.

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

3. Give Yourself Time
If you believe a project will take you two days to complete, plan on putting 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.

4. It Doesn't Have to 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 finish the project. Set a hard limit for number of proofs and a deadline for feedback.

5. Reward Yourself
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.

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