I frequently use and recommend backward planning as a
It works like this:
Start with the end in mind. What does the end product look like and how are you going to feel? Using a party as an example, I would envision that my home is filled with friends, there is an abundance of good food, and that I am enjoying this party as well as my guests.
Plan an end date. When does all this have to come together? When is the party? When is the move?
Do a brain dump of all the things that must happen in order for your vision of a perfect project to come true. For the party some items on my list are: make up a guest list, decide on a theme, send out save the date emails, choose invitations to mail, plan a menu, schedule extra yard maintenance, schedule extra house cleaning, decide what foods I am going to order and what ones I plan on preparing, make shopping lists, prepare the food, and set up seating areas.
Put your “do” list in a sequential order. For the party I started with who I was going to invite and ended with lighting candles and making cozy seating areas.
Give each item on the list a “do it” date. Several items can be done on one day but make sure each item has a time attached to it. Allow some wiggle room. Sometimes things happen so you can’t do an item on your intended date so have a fall back time available. Also, start early. For a party I start the process two months out.
Now, just follow your plan.
The real advantage of using this system is that you won’t have all these thoughts about the project squirreling around in your head and you won’t worry about how you will get this accomplished. You just make your plan and then work your plan.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
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