From Planning to Delivery

Three simple steps for any project - from idea to completion

1. Make lists your new best friend

Lists help you build a bigger picture of the tools you need and the obstacles you will need to overcome on the way. If you get lost at some point having a map to refer to will help you get back on track. What are your guide stones, milestones, materials, tools and resources required to complete your vision? What are the obstacles you perceive you will be likely to encounter? Many people think about these and get overwhelmed or stuck by their thoughts and never progress any further. Taking pen to paper and listing all the different aspects will provide you with a clearer plan and confidence as you move forward. When you have a clear plan in mind, constructed and grafted with care and attention, you are already halfway to your destination. 

Take a look around you, everything you see that is created by human endeavour started with an idea in someone's mind. From there listing, planning and action followed to enable creation. Consider how countless projects in any human endeavour never came to fruition, solely due to lack of proper planning. "Winging it" might work, but planning increases the likelihood of success. Of course sometimes it is impossible to not "wing it" through one of any conceivable unexpected obstacle, but even in those situations having a solid blueprint enhances your ability to get through it and keep moving forward.

2. Analyse and Reflect

The time you take to take another look at your inventory, interest, skills base, progress and further requirements is vital. It enables continuous improvement to be embedded in every step of your project. The original plan may require additions, amendments and deletions as it evolves toward fruition. Analysis and reflection clarifies the areas that may benefit from more time, expertise, investment and so on. The longer the lifespan of your project, the more analysis you ought to be doing. It allows for a clear view on where you started, where you are now and most importantly how much further you have left to go. Investment in your project is also more likely if you are able to demonstrate you are taking care to keep up-to-date with the evolving aspects of your project.  

3. Make the most of it

Your ongoing motivation will be a key factor in finishing anything you start. At times you may lose this and consider quitting. When this happens allow yourself to feel whatever it is you are feeling. It is best to not fight it, just let it be as it is - in this moment. Consider how feeling one way or another is quite like the weather, forever changing, moment by moment. Then remind yourself the reasons you started this effort in the first place and ask yourself, how would you feel if you give up before you truly gave it your best shot?

Provided that planning and ongoing analysis are in place, there is usually only one more thing that will make or break your success. That is whether you are making the most of it. When you feel stuck or ready to give up, ask yourself these questions and they will usually get you back on track - no matter the situation.

Are you making the most of your own and other people's skills, time, ideas, contribution, resources, influence, contacts, mistakes and feedback?

If the answer is anything besides 'Yes, absolutely!" then it is time to take a breather and get back to your new best friend, your lists. Get clear on the things you are not making the most of and start doing so!

If you follow these simple steps throughout, from planning to delivery, nothing can stop you. You will get there!

So smile, have faith in your idea, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!