What is the #1 reason that a project stalls?
When working with clients on goal achievement, I’ve found that “not knowing what to do next” is the most common reason projects stall.
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This is why I recommend breaking each project down into the smallest next steps possible. Once you finish one step, you know exactly what to do next. (NOTE: A project consists of multiple tasks. A task is a one-step activity.)
But, if you have multiple projects, with multiple tasks for each project, how can you keep it all straight?
- Keep a running list of all projects. Make sure “out of sight is not out of mind” when it comes to keeping each project moving forward.
- Create a list of all the tasks that need to be accomplished per each project. Make sure each task is broken down into the absolute smallest step. I store each list in the project folder.
- Transfer one or two tasks for each project to your master task list. This master task list also has your “every day to-do’s” on it . . . pick up milk, renew website domain, set-up bill pay . . .
- Schedule time to complete each task in your calendar. Don’t leave the completion up to chance. Schedule a date and time for each task on your list.
- Double check your master project list. Are all your priorities scheduled?
Your turn – how do you keep multiple projects moving forward?
Any suggestions for making sure nothing “falls through the cracks”?
I’d love to know your thoughts. Please post below!
Fascinating blog with great advice, thanks so much for sharing
Anita – Clare
I appreciate your comment! What is one thing you can implement immediately?
Lisa
Good time management is important!
Agreed, Nick! Agreed!
Thanks for the comment!
Hi Lisa, I have just started using Trello [trello.com] to manage all my tasks – it allows you to create and share tasks with others and move them between lists – from ‘To be done’ to ‘Doing’ to ‘Done’. Its a very intuitive tool and great if you are managing tasks with a team or virtual assistant. Its certainly working for me!
Meredith –
Thanks for sharing this resource! Currently I’m using Google Drive to share tasks with my VA – also with other members on my team. I’ve experimented some with BaseCamp. I’ll check out Trello next!
Lisa
“Don’t leave the completion up to chance. Schedule a date and time for each task on your list” this is what I want to focus on.. I always look for a flawless result for every task I do, but it often takes me much more time than necessary, need to let some things go!
Clara –
Thanks for the comment! What is something you can let go – today? Please share!
Lisa
I need to remember to split mine into even smaller pieces than I do. I use Trello to manage my projects. Makes it easy to move stuff around.
Hi Linda –
A tip I’ve found helpful when splitting into small pieces is to ask myself if I can accomplish this task in 15 minutes or less. If not – there is probably a smaller step available! :)
Lisa
That’s a great tip. I have to remember that :) Thanks Lisa
I have a weekly list that is divided by projects with individual task broken down into easy steps. I started doing this at the beginning of 2014. The best part is that share it with an accountability partner so I’m encouraged to get it down and report it to her.
Heather –
I love that you’ve added an accountability partner! How do you share it? Verbally? Is it virtual (Google Drive, etc.)? Do you meet in person?
Thanks!
Lisa
These are awesome tips and I can see them working for me! Thanks for the share! I am getting my planner out.
Margaret
Yeah!! So glad you are ready to implement! Will you share what you put into your planner?
Lisa
I am a list person, however lots of times I don’t get everything done on the lists and I have to add old things on new lists. So I got an idea. How about using cards instead? Add what has to be done on a card, one thing on each card and then stack the cards in priority order. When the day has passed I just put the cards that I haven’t been able to handle into the next days card deck. Hmm…
Eva
Love your idea! I have a few clients that use Post-It notes in a similar fashion. They love being able to move the tasks around as priorities change! Let me know how this works for you!!!!
Lisa
I was running a few projects at the same time, hopefully I got the help on my husband, and now he is working with the webstore. I continue working with it but only the marketing, and he does the rest! Running a blog, a webstore, a house, kids, homeschooling and all the things that comes around some times it’s not easy. Thank for these tips.
Whew Remy
That’s a lot of projects to stay on top of! Great job delegating some of the tasks to your husband – anyone else you can bring in for some support?
Lisa
I’ve learned that breaking my big tasks into smaller tasks helps me stay focused on my goals. For example, this year my huge goal are to grow my business and increase my income. My big goals are to grow my list into the thousands, guest blog post, create more videos, host teleseminars, and make more connections. From there, I’ve broken down the goals even further by saying how many and how often I want to do each task. Instead of telling myself that I need to write over 100 guest blog posts this year, I’m telling myself I need to write about 10 a month. The latter isn’t as overwhelming.
As always, great tips Lisa!
Keri
10 certainly doesn’t seem as overwhelming as 100! You are right on the money! How many guest posts did you complete this month? How many are scheduled for February?
Lisa
Whenever I break my projects into super small tasks, I find that it works better to keep track and actually accomplish them.
I need to stay more focused on doing this with every project I pursue – because I have the tendency to keep a lot in my brain instead of putting on paper.
Thanks for the tips, Lisa!
Delia –
“I need to stay more focused on doing this with every project . . .” How can you make sure you implement this strategy so you continue to accomplish your tasks? Please share . . . .
Lisa
I work with my kids on this, when we are working on a project I ask them, “What is your next action?” I’m hoping that this becomes automatic with time!
Pam
Keep your eye on the prize! Asking this question consistently will create a habit! I promise! Thanks for the comment!
Lisa