When possible, get this information in writing so you can turn back to it if you forget. Get the contact information of your teacher, product manager, or client right from the beginning and ask if there is a good way to get in touch if you have later questions. [1] X Research source
Use this time to make sure your plan is realistic for your time frame – a big part of finishing on time is picking a project you can actually finish. If you don’t know quite where you’re going yet, that’s okay. For example, if you haven’t decided the topic of a presentation yet you can still sketch out goals. You might not know the topic yet, for example, but you know you must go to the library and start researching one. Your “final project” may change between now and the end – the goal isn’t to get a perfect project idea now, it’s to create a blueprint that you can work off of. [2] X Research source
The item Quantity needed Date needed Purpose Cost Location/store to buy Any special considerations (color, size, etc. )[3] X Research source
Make your goals measurable. Instead of “find out what my boss wants for the warehouse,” make specific goals to learn the right location, budget, size, and essential amenities. You may have no idea how long it takes to buy a warehouse, but you know that talking to your boss takes one day, finding a realtor 2-3 days, inspection 1-2 weeks, etc. It’s much easier to budget time for smaller goals than big ones.
In general, people are most effective working on one task at a time, not 10 at once. Check off each goal one at a time instead of working on all of them at once for maximum efficiency. Most projects have work that can’t be finished until other work is done. You can’t, for example, write a book report until you’ve read the book. Figure out what work has to get done ahead of others and prioritize that.
No one was ever upset to finish a project ahead of schedule. If you plan for extra days and don’t need them you simply get a few days off.
If you’re designing a new logo for work, you don’t need the total idea to sketch and draft out some prototypes. Even if you don’t use them, start throwing out the ideas and get the ball rolling. If you have a class project, finish all the books and homework for that class as soon as possible. Get the little stuff out of the way so you can focus on the bigger project.
If you get sick, is there any work you can do from bed? Is there someone you trust who can help take notes or run errands? If the book you need is checked out, can your library order another? Can you reserve the book in advance? If your project is fragile, what can you do to ensure it is perfectly safe. If it did break, how long would it take to build another? Can you build spare or alternate parts? If supplies run out, is there anything else you can use in there place? Can you buy an extra 1-2 parts of essential or hard to find objects to eliminate the issue?
Set expectations early – let people know exactly what is wanted from them. Give deadlines to ensure that everything is actually done when it needs to be. Let everyone know the end goal of the project, helping everyone work towards the same thing. Post everyone’s contact information in case of issues or questions.
While deep research is good, does it all match your final goal? Is there enough information on food to make a project, or should you pivot towards something like medicine, weapons, etc? When making the slideshow, does it fit the research? Is it short enough to fit in your presentation, or will you be pushed for time? Are you going to have to make Civil War food? Based on your research, is this still possible, or would it be smarter to do a different type of demonstration?
A little bit of work each day is generally more effective than enormous chunks occasionally. If you only plan to work on Saturdays, but there is a family emergency or issue Saturday morning, you just lost a whole week of work time. If it is possible, consider saying no to additional tasks or family commitments.
Does your model need replica stained-glass windows, or can you do something simpler? If you’re writing a long paper, is there a section that can be cut or summarized without compromising your overall point? When working on a business deal, is there a way to extend the deadlines? If not, can you get a coworker to help you complete some section in time?
If you’re down to the wire trying to finish in time, you should still set aside an hour at the very end for review. Don’t let weeks of hard work appear sloppy because of a few missed typo. [5] X Research source
Return to your original draft, plans, and materials list. Is everything covered?
There is no need to review right after you finish. Take 2-3 days to relax and then look back on the project with fresh eyes. If you worked with a team, ask them what they think you could all improve on next time. If you have questions on your grade, review, etc. ask politely “what could I do to be better next time?"[6] X Research source
