Mike Strives’ Post

Today was a productive day for me! As many of you know, I'm all about completing projects and tasks ahead of schedule.🚀 When unexpected challenges arise, they can definitely stress me out! 😅 But, I'm proud to say that I once again managed to meet my deadline and successfully completed one of my projects. 🎊 so let’s keep focusing on the following ones #projectcompletion

One of the most important parts of finishing a personal project is reflecting back on what you did and what you would do differently. Every project I’ve completed so far I’ve been able to look back and say if I were to do that over again I would change x, y, z. Not out of being overly self critical but in knowing I’ve grown since the beginning of that project to now. Pointing out your past mistakes isn’t necessarily being harsh on yourself when you realize the only reason you see those mistakes now is because of the experience gained along the way.

10 pearls of wisdom from an experienced PM... 1. The best plan is the one that your team understands. 2. Only plan to the granularity needed. 3. Do it right, do it once. 4. Don't tell me, show me. 5. Nobody comes to work to do a bad job. 6. Projects don't exist in a bubble. 7. Projects deliver change, somebody's gonna get upset. 8. Donald Rumsfeld was right. 9. Unless it's somebody's birthday, nobody likes surprises. 10. There's more than one way to skin a cat. Some of these are just good life lessons. It's not an exhaustive list either. What else would you add?

You know that one project that makes you feel ashamed and guilty just thinking about it? Yes, we all have at least one project that we feel we have been neglecting for way too long. But you know what? Whatever else you have going on, there’s always time to write just one sentence. So today, return to your shame-inducing project and write the next sentence. That way you can feel better about yourself (it’s no longer been months since you worked on it) and also show yourself that the project is a lot less big and scary than you’ve made it out to be in your head. What’s your shame-inducing project?

Ignoring that project you/ve been procrastinating on won't make it go away. Take the project out. Look over the materials for a few minutes. Do one thing to inch you forward on it. It may be helpful to start by stating the goals, objectives, and milestones clearly for yourself.

Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed by the complexities of a project? We've all been there. Remember, every problem has a solution—if you know where to look. Start by breaking it down: • Identify the primary obstacle • Understand its causes • Propose several solutions A systematic approach not only simplifies the problem but also empowers us to tackle challenges more effectively. Remember, there's no growth in your comfort zone. Embrace these challenges, and see how far you can go!

How do you motivate yourself to get started on a tough project? What I need to start a big project, I try to focus just on the first step. I find that when I am able to tackle that first small step, it gives me momentum to keep going.

Why do I always have side project(s)? The way I am built, since i know myself, I love working. I love working a lot, and I love creating value. My brain is thinking about my work when i’m not working. I read on the internet, that this might be not super healthy and can actually impact the quality of my deliverables. But for me, I found out, that focusing so much on one thing (my primary job) doesn't allow me to be as creative in solving big problems as I know I can. Along the years I had many side projects, some profitable (Elibis), some started as just for fun (Eliweek https://lnkd.in/duDM4YpD ), and some technically challenging(sqser https://lnkd.in/dDU9Pe9m). I always had something in parallel. Somehow, allowing my mind to switch between completely different projects with completely different colleagues and customers allows me to come up with great ideas and thoughts.  Somehow, the pause from the main work, allowed me to detach myself from it for some time. And when this happens somehow the best ideas and solutions comes to me. Anyone else experience good thoughts when you just stop doing or thinking?

Approaching 2024, I've uncovered a valuable lesson this year: proactivity is the ultimate key to maintaining a competitive edge. Avoid the trap of procrastination and last-minute rushes. Instead, take charge and launch your projects now, rather than waiting for the new year when everyone else is doing the same. Book a call 👇 https://lnkd.in/gU4GEtwa

Whenever you start a new project you are at the point of maximum ignorance. The same goes for annual plans. As you get closer to the end of January, don't feel like you have to power through if something isn't working. Reassess, regroup and reset.