Organizing Life Tasks as a Project
I suggest tackling life projects the same way we tackle work projects - one bite at a time.
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To finish off the project management series, I suggest tacking life projects the same way we tackle work projects - one bite at a time.
Tasks and to do’s are a huge part of any project and life! Whether you’re implementing a new piece of company software or landscaping your backyard, each project, large or small, should be broken down into tasks.
Here are three tips to help you get started:
Organize your Household Team
A big part of being a project manager is rallying the troops! Different pieces of a project and its tasks are usually performed by many people. Being able to get updates from team members, give them incentives, and do it all respectfully are important factors for the project’s success. Unless you live alone, it is likely that you have your own team of household members who perform and are responsible for different chores.
To Do Lists
Take advantage of lists so nothing is forgotten. Whether you use a paper and pen or an app on your phone, making lists of items you need from the store, clothing you need to pack for a trip, or places you need to go on days you’re running errands means you won’t forget anything.
Also, take your time when creating lists and try to think of related items. If you are creating a packing list for your trip, for example, you may jot down ‘dress shoes,’ which should then prompt you to write down ‘dress socks.’ Or, for a grocery list, you may want to buy steaks for the grill, which should then prompt you to pick up a side dish to go with them. Many task management tools, like those we mentioned above, can be used for these simple lists.
Use Reminders Over Memory
Some people have the most wonderful capability to remember anything and everything. However, this is not common for most. Often, we can remember tasks for the office to be done in the morning more easily than recalling how we need to call the power company in the afternoon. Project Managers may use reminders for obtaining status updates, confirming deadlines, or creating status reports.
Outside the workplace, using reminders keeps us from forgetting to do things, go places, make phone calls, or just about anything you can think of that needs to be done. Even if you happen to remember to make your car payment on the first of every month, having a recurring reminder set up on your mobile device or even jotting it down on your calendar for each month almost guarantees it will never slip your mind.
