Life as a Series of Projects: The Art of Project Management and Nursing Life

Something clicked in the last couple of weeks when a friend (who is also a nurse) and I started to pick up some steam on a nursing project that we started. The project started as a fun podcast last June and has blossomed into something that seems to be growing much bigger. And by bigger, I mean a project that is taking more time and money than I originally anticipated. But, by bigger, I am also learning that many of the skills that I have learned throughout my academic endeavors, professional nursing career, and life as a parent are now converging on a moment where I realize that project management is not an abstract concept that is learned in a specialized post-secondary program. Project management is something that we have been learning our entire lives, from we began grade school. 

Perhaps you are scratching your head, wondering why exactly is it useful to recognize that life is a series of projects? Because these are transferable skills. If you can manage to get through school while also having a part-time job then you have the skills to organize and manage your time. The key for me is being able to take a step back and repeat to myself that breaking it down and making a plan can help guide me to success. It also helps to repeat in my head that success comes in different forms because even with a plan things do not always work out the way I envisioned. Armed with that knowledge I aim to instill confidence in others that that which seems impossible can be achieved if it is broken down into smaller steps and approached with a clear plan. 

I'll break it down into 6 Components. 

1. Write it down. If you see it on a page, on your computer screen or in some visual format that makes it more real. 
2. Break it down into smaller steps. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially with big projects, like completing a graduate degree, renovating a home, or looking for a new job but if you break it down in small, digestible, granular steps then you can get a bit done at a time and feel like forward movement is happening.  
3. Make a timeline with deadlines. Wishy-washy ideas about when things will get done won't keep you accountable. Loose timelines are also not realistic in terms of a business setting in which there are finite resources that need to be utilized in an efficient way. Make a timeline of milestones and stick to them as best as possible.  
4. Use a Template. Structure and standards are important, they can help guide us. Life is a process. We learn as we grow. Ideally, whether we succeed or fail we learn from our experiences. If it worked keep using it and build on your successes. 
5. Trust the Process. Having a plan does not always mean that everything goes as planned. Sometimes it might feel like there is no end but, trust in the process. Learn from the process. Enjoy the process because every project is a learning experience. 
6. Practice Forgiveness. We cannot be perfect. We all make mistakes. We all fail at some things sometimes. Things do not always go according to plan. Be kind to yourself. 

Peace,

Michelle D.