For someone out there who needs to read this: You’re not a failure. That’s just that harsh inner voice talking.
The end of the year is often used as a random deadline for projects and goals, maybe because the end of the year is a natural time to reflect on progress and it’s easy to remember. At the beginning of a year, the end of the years seems so far away, as of you can accomplish anytime in a year’s time. But almost just as often, the end of year comes and the project isn’t complete and now you’re feeling like a failure for once again not achieving that goal or new year’s resolution, or you feel guilty for not doing something you said you were going to do. But consider this:
The fact that you have to adjust a timeline shows that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure the task is completed in the best way possible. Adjusting the timeline is often necessary to ensure that the task is completed in an efficient and successful manner. If you made progress and put in effort, celebrate that, regardless of the timeline.
This year, stop using the end of the year as a deadline. Here’s why, and what to do, instead:
Unless your project is to publish calendars, or to deliver an amazing NYE fireworks show, the end of the year really has nothing to do with it. The end of the year is just not a realistic deadline. Its picked arbitrarily with about as much effort as deciding at the last minute what fast food restaurant to eat at in the food court at the mall on a busy shopping day.
Don’t your goals deserve better planning?
Besides, think about everything else that’s going on at the end of the year: The holidays, travel, family, and most of your human resources take time off. It’s already a busy a stressful time without the need to add artificial deadlines into it.
Moreover, setting a deadline at the end of the year for something that can be completed sooner can lead to procrastination and a lack of motivation to complete the task in a timely manner. I think we can all relate to this.
Its best to set a timeline that is realistic and actually allows for enough time to complete the task.
But what if you just don’t know how much time it will take? What if your goal is something you’ve never done before?
First, to set a realistic target date, consider things like the desired timeline for the project, the resources available, and any external factors that could affect the timeline.
Next, spend more time PLANNING. You’ll need to put more time into researching the possible solutions in the planning phase, before jumping into execution. Execution without planning is also called “leaping before you look.”
Execution before planning is not sustainable because it often leads to costly mistakes and delays. Without a clear plan, it is difficult to anticipate and address potential issues that may arise and to ensure that resources are used efficiently. Additionally, without a plan, it is difficult to track progress, and the project may not reach its intended goals.
In project management, the planning phase is where the majority of research of conducted and an actual timeline is created.
As a rule of thumb, 25-30% of a project’s time should be spent on planning depending on it’s size and complexity.
The planning phase of a project should take the most time because it is the foundation of the project, and without a strong foundation, the project is likely to fail.
Planning involves identifying all goals, objectives, resources, and timelines, and ensuring that the project has clear objectives and that the team is adequately equipped to achieve them.
Remember that in most cases it’s not important to be exact on how much time it will take. Its called an estimate for a reason.
Timelines may need to be adjusted multiple times throughout the course of a successful project. This ensures that tasks are completed in a timely manner and that the project remains on track.
Look at this way, the timeline is getting better and better and more accurate with each correction based on real information and not arbitrary dates like the end of the year.
For someone out there who needs to read this: You’re not a failure. That’s just that harsh inner voice talking.
The end of the year is often used as a random deadline for projects and goals, maybe because the end of the year is a natural time to reflect on progress and it’s easy to remember. At the beginning of a year, the end of the years seems so far away, as of you can accomplish anytime in a year’s time. But almost just as often, the end of year comes and the project isn’t complete and now you’re feeling like a failure for once again not achieving that goal or new year’s resolution, or you feel guilty for not doing something you said you were going to do. But consider this:
The fact that you have to adjust a timeline shows that you are taking the necessary steps to ensure the task is completed in the best way possible. Adjusting the timeline is often necessary to ensure that the task is completed in an efficient and successful manner. If you made progress and put in effort, celebrate that, regardless of the timeline.
This year, stop using the end of the year as a deadline. Here’s why, and what to do, instead:
Unless your project is to publish calendars, or to deliver an amazing NYE fireworks show, the end of the year really has nothing to do with it. The end of the year is just not a realistic deadline. Its picked arbitrarily with about as much effort as deciding at the last minute what fast food restaurant to eat at in the food court at the mall on a busy shopping day.
Don’t your goals deserve better planning?
Besides, think about everything else that’s going on at the end of the year: The holidays, travel, family, and most of your human resources take time off. It’s already a busy a stressful time without the need to add artificial deadlines into it.
Moreover, setting a deadline at the end of the year for something that can be completed sooner can lead to procrastination and a lack of motivation to complete the task in a timely manner. I think we can all relate to this.
Its best to set a timeline that is realistic and actually allows for enough time to complete the task.
But what if you just don’t know how much time it will take? What if your goal is something you’ve never done before?
First, to set a realistic target date, consider things like the desired timeline for the project, the resources available, and any external factors that could affect the timeline.
Next, spend more time PLANNING. You’ll need to put more time into researching the possible solutions in the planning phase, before jumping into execution. Execution without planning is also called “leaping before you look.”
Execution before planning is not sustainable because it often leads to costly mistakes and delays. Without a clear plan, it is difficult to anticipate and address potential issues that may arise and to ensure that resources are used efficiently. Additionally, without a plan, it is difficult to track progress, and the project may not reach its intended goals.
In project management, the planning phase is where the majority of research of conducted and an actual timeline is created.
As a rule of thumb, 25-30% of a project’s time should be spent on planning depending on it’s size and complexity.
The planning phase of a project should take the most time because it is the foundation of the project, and without a strong foundation, the project is likely to fail.
Planning involves identifying all goals, objectives, resources, and timelines, and ensuring that the project has clear objectives and that the team is adequately equipped to achieve them.
Remember that in most cases it’s not important to be exact on how much time it will take. Its called an estimate for a reason.
Timelines may need to be adjusted multiple times throughout the course of a successful project. This ensures that tasks are completed in a timely manner and that the project remains on track.
Look at this way, the timeline is getting better and better and more accurate with each correction based on real information and not arbitrary dates like the end of the year.
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labanjohnson
Laban Johnson is a seasoned entrepreneur and polymath, leaving a trail of impact in every endeavor. With over 25 years of diverse experience in businesses of all sizes, local governments, the military, and non-profits, Laban has accumulated a wealth of skills in business administration, risk management, internet marketing, and more. As the founder of LJLearn.com, Laban channels his expertise into making quality educational resources accessible to all, empowering individuals and businesses alike to unlock their full potential. His rich background as a business administrator, project portfolio manager, risk analyst, life coach, and financial advisor has sharpened his ability to tackle challenges head-on. A proud founder of ONPASSIVE and a philanthropist at heart, Laban is dedicated to revolutionizing businesses in the digital age while making a tangible positive impact on society. Through LJ Group and LJ Learn, he curates and shares the most valuable of his experiences, ensuring his clients achieve unparalleled success.