Big Projects and Small Ones Begin Best from the End

Woods Walk-Big Projects

Big projects are a journey.

Big projects can be daunting, but when you begin from the end, your steps become clearer. This is a method that I’ve used for years in my planning, both for big projects and small ones.

In December of 1981, my husband and I trudged up the hill through the snowy woods in search of a place to build our new house.

As big projects go, this was one of the biggest. So, here’s where we started:

  • Beginning with the end in mind, we decided to build our post and beam home with wood from our land, and we did.
  • Beginning with the end in mind, I knew I wanted to live among the beeches, and I do.

So, once we knew our big goals, we moved ahead into our more detailed planning. Following are 5 Timely Tips that apply to big projects as well as smaller ones. I think you’ll find that as you explore and use your power to think ahead, your results can far surpass what traditional planning approaches will provide.

5 Tips for Big Projects (and Small Ones, Too)

1. Open your mind to possibilities for structuring your project that are not typical.

If you rely on the usual methods, like outlining and using a Zero Draft, consider a fresh approach. Start by clearly defining your desired outcome, and then structure your project around it. Beginning with the results you’d like will stimulate your creativity more than automatically following a standard protocol.

2. Refine the definition of your results or desired outcome until it’s comprehensive and specific. Make it shine!

Don’t undermine your project by having your planned results remain non-specific. Create a crystal clear image of your desired outcome before you begin. Vague descriptions may result in confusion for those who need to understand your project or whose help you may need in order to be successful. Clearly delineating your goal will also help you strategize more effectively when structuring your action steps.

3. Examine closely the scope and complexity of your desired outcome. If you have bitten off more than you can chew, streamline your project to make it manageable.

Planning your project realistically greatly reduces the chances of your having to revisit, and scale back, your original desired outcome. Writing a doctoral dissertation or developing a strategic plan without a clear description of a feasible-to-achieve desired outcome can easily become a project that is impossible to manage. Marshal your resources by simplifying.

4. Get everyone who’s important on board at the onset.

Once you define your specific, comprehensive goal and pare it down to a realistic size, present it to everyone directly involved in your project. You will derive two important benefits from this:

  • First, you are far more likely to obtain their approval and commitment when they understand you.
  • Second, the more they comprehend your clearly articulated objectives, the more you’ll have valuable space to explore and experiment along the way.

5. Learn to work backwards.

Instead of beginning at the beginning, start from your desired outcome and work backwards to identify each necessary action step. This way, you are more likely to maintain a realistic pace and scale throughout the project. In contrast, beginning at the beginning can mire you in too much detail or overwhelm you with the enormity of your task.

It’s deeply rewarding to plan big projects and small ones effectively when first starting out. You will proceed with more confidence and develop a stronger base of support as you move ahead.

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