In today’s world of doing more with less it is really important that we look for short cuts to getting the job done. I found this very interesting blog post written by Nancy Clark of WomensMedia. How to Manage your Project, sets out five easy steps for tackling any project:

1. Define the Goal - What’s the end product you want to achieve? What’s the goal date? Give yourself a little leeway by establishing an ‘almost goal date.’ This is the date you’ll aim for - knowing you’ll have a few extra days for polishing or basking in your early success.
2. Outline the Big Steps - Leave space below each one for step #3. Put an end date on each of the big steps.
3. Outline the Little Steps that are contained in each of the big steps.
4. Keep a running file on everything. Save information in computer files or paper files in case you’ll be doing a similar project another time, or in case you want to document your success in the workplace. Yes, you do want to do that!
5. Put the next steps on your to-do list each day.

Sometimes the secret to success is to simplify the process and break down overwhelming tasks into smaller bite size pieces. The advice given by Nancy Clark allows you to do that in a very systematic approach. It also allows you to keep track of your progress and have a record of your own success, which is very important when it comes to salary review time.

Good luck with that next project!