These images kind of say it all. I've been involved in many projects, nit all art based, and the one thing I would stress to anyone (if you don't like stress) is to make a plan. Think through what it is you intend to do, think of each of the tiny steps you have to take to make even the small things happen and think of all of the small things that make the big things appear, and then think of what big things you need to have to finally complete the project. Easy. Not quite...
One reason plans don't work and projects fail is because people forget to keep looking at the plan. be honest, you wouldn't build a 1000 piece jigsaw without looking at the box lid. Projects are the same. Also, what do you do if you get to the end of the jigsaw and you realise you have a piece missing? You can phone the maker and ask for one but that takes time and if you have a deadline you might not have time. Don't panic!!!!! Build some extra time into your plan - it's called contingency.
As you progress through you plan, keeping track of what is in progress and what it about to start and what supplies are due when you start to get a feel for how things are going. To do this you need to have realistic start and end dates for the steps. You cant start assembling the jigsaw until you have bought it and then opened it, then counted the pieces (contingency - order the missing part or return the jigsaw before you even start) and then separate out the edges and the corners and you are ready to start. All little steps but each helps you progress.
There are lots of ways to document a plan and lots of computer programs to help however I like to use Microsoft Excel for simple step by step projects; its quick, simple to understand and easy to share. The image below is a screen shot of my Excel plan and the different steps I will be working through.
REMEMBER - Open and update it on a daily basis otherwise it is as good as toilet paper!
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