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failure

What happens when the goal isn’t clear?

By Sarah 2 Comments

Yesterday, we discussed the stages of a project and key questions and actions in each phase. Critical to the entire process is having a clear goal and then executing against that goal.
Ultimately, what’s the problem you are trying to solve?

Is the goal clear?

The stages of a project assume that the goal of the project is clear (or is clarified in the initial Plan the Project phase). A clearly defined goal and objective cascades down to every other piece of the project and the work.

What if the goal isn’t clear? Or it’s clear, but you’re not sure it’s the right goal?

Is your goal the right one? Is the goal clear? | strategysarah.com
One of the first large-scale projects I worked on many years ago was the rollout of a new software system. For many reasons, the project was doomed to failure before it ever got off the ground. But there was a leadership mandate that it must happen. By implementing a whole lot of project management techniques, we completed and rolled out the project. And after a few sincere attempts to make it work, it eventually faded into oblivion.

The goal was clear, but it was the wrong one.

It would have been more cost effective and ultimately more beneficial to the business if the project had been abandoned long before completion.

Is the #goal you’ve identified the right one?

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In my own life, I’ve found that “identify the goal” often isn’t nearly as clear as it’s made out to be.

I can easily take a goal, and break it down to identify objectives, strategies and tactics, but often find that I didn’t really care about the goal that much in the first place. Some of these goals I have pursued far longer than I should have, simply because I set the goal, and well, that means you have to complete it. 99.9% of the time, you don’t.

If you’re unsure of your goal, or if it becomes apparent that the goal shouldn’t be the goal any longer, don’t drag out the pain.

Fail fast.

Then identify a new goal, and start again.

Have you ever identified the wrong goal? How and when did you course correct?

For more reading on goal setting, check out On goal-setting and habit formation. And don’t forget to read the rest of the series, Project Management for Creatives.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking action

By Sarah Leave a Comment

From the archives. I wrote this back in 2014. Other than the fact that I’m back in the corporate world, not a lot has changed. 

I often second-guess myself. Am I good enough? Should I even bother writing? Will new clients want to hire me? (I know, I’m not supposed to admit this in public, but I’m pretty sure more people think like me than not. And I’m hoping my breaking the rules will help at least one of you.)

The Type-A planner in me gets caught waiting for things to be perfect before I start. I’ve been known to not attempt something if I didn’t think I could be successful at it. (I am the epitome of an Enneagram Type 1.)

Sometimes, this caution is a good thing. But all too often, it’s simply fear holding me back.

I’m pretty sure I’m not alone here.

Take the first step | strategysarah.comIt’s been over a year since I quite the corporate world and started my journey as a mom who works from home part-time. What that has looked like has changed several times over the year – in terms of who I work for, what type of work I’m doing and what my childcare arrangements do or don’t look like.

I have stepped, and stepped back, and mis-stepped, and successfully stepped several times in that year.

I’m also changing my view of failure.

Because what I thought I wanted a year ago is not the same as what I want now. And you know what?

I wouldn’t have figured it out if I hadn’t stepped out and tried something. 

 

Logan Wolfram recently did a great interview on the Declare podcast where she shares about the crazy, seemingly unrelated steps she took – one at a time – that ultimately led her to running the Allume Conference (you really should listen to it, it’s a good one).

I’ve found the same principle to be true over and over again in my own life, but somehow I still manage to forget.

When I was in high school, I quit calculus after one semester to take on an internship at the local newspaper. For some reason, even though it was at the semester change, I needed the teacher to sign a release slip allowing me to drop the class.

I’ll always remember standing outside that upstairs classroom, as he told me, “You’re making the worst mistake of you’re life.” He went on with something to the effect that if I didn’t pass AP Calculus as a senior in high school, I would never be able to make up for that and have time to take all the math classes I needed in college in order to become somebody.

Ironically, taking that newspaper internship set into motion a whole host of steps that have led me to where I am today. I discovered a love for copy-editing, training people and managing projects. I had my first piece published in the local newspaper. I had my first experiences with office dynamics and office politics and organizational management.

I went on to become an Organizational Communications major, joined the college newspaper staff, and ultimately become editor of the George Fox University Crescent newspaper. I learned my first layout software on an old colorful Mac computer. I also learned I should have stuck with the layouts and technical side of things, as writing wasn’t my strength.

The Org Com major led me to a job doing business process and marketing and sales operations. And to business school.

Here I am today writing, editing, training people and managing projects.

I never did finish calculus – I got away with taking pre-calc for my required math credits in college – and I wouldn’t say that my life has been ruined in any way. In fact, I’m guessing my life could have looked fairly different if I hadn’t made that one decision.

Whether the step seems big or small, you don’t know where that single first step will lead.

Even if you think you do.

Take it anyway.

Is there something you need to step out and try today? Share in the comments – I’d love to encourage you! 

Groundhog Day, The Definition of Insanity, and Fear

By Sarah Leave a Comment

Phil: What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered?
Ralph: That about sums it up for me.
(From the movie Groundhog Day)

My dad’s favorite movie is Groundhog Day. While I don’t appreciate the movie nearly to the level he does, I love watching my dad watch it. This also means that it’s a movie I’ve seen many many times. And with a movie that repeats as much as this one does, that feels like about 1000 times more than it actually is. Happy Groundhog Day, Dad!

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity.

Clearly, Phil Connors has moments of insanity as he is stuck, repeating Groundhog Day, over and over and over. Through the process, Phil moves from curiosity, frustration, despair, to finally making forward progress and positive life change.

After he kills himself in just about every reckless manner he can imagine, Phil decides to look past himself and starts finding ways to help others in the community. He transforms from utterly selfish into a person who puts others ahead of himself. And he learns some mad piano skills in the process.

What you can learn about fear and the definition of insanity from Bill Murray in Groundhog Day

How often are we stuck in our own personal Groundhog Day? I don’t know how many times I’ve found myself repeating the same mistakes, or getting frustrated over the same situations.

The truth is, I can’t always change the circumstance, and I definitely can’t change other people, but I can change myself.

I don’t know about you, but many of my repeated ruts can be traced to a root cause of fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear of people, you name it.

I’m (slowly!) learning to step through the fear, own what I can control and let go of the rest.

Like Phil Connor, I’m learning to stop focusing on the future and make the most of where I am today. And even when it feels like I’m not making forward progress, I can look back and see just how far I’ve come.

Phil: Do you know what today is?
Rita: No, what?
Phil: Today is tomorrow. It happened.

What’s your tomorrow?

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Sarah ParsonsHi, I'm Sarah and thanks for joining me! I believe that as working moms, we don't have to be exhausted trying to have it all. Sure, we juggle a lot. That just makes us expert project managers, problem solvers and simplifiers. And if you feel like you're not an expert at any of that, well, you're in the right place. It is possible to manage our time well and thrive - at work, home and play. Let's do this!

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The views expressed on this site are those of Sarah Parsons only, and do not represent those of any employer or client past or present with whom I have worked.

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