You don't actually do a project; you can only do action steps related to it. When enough of the right action steps have been taken, some situation will have been created that matches your initial picture of the outcome closely enough that you can call it "done.
Interpretation
Successful projects are achieved through a series of actionable steps rather than one single effort.
David Allen emphasizes the importance of breaking projects down into actionable steps. The quote highlights that by consistently taking the right actions, a desired outcome can be reached, making the project feel complete. It encourages a focus on the individual steps required rather than viewing a project as a daunting whole, fostering a proactive approach to achieving goals.
In practice
In a team meeting about project management, this quote could inspire team members to focus on task completion.
Isn't it interesting that people feel best about themselves right before they go on vacation? They've cleared up all of their to-do piles, closed up transactions, renewed old promises with themselves. My most basic suggestion is that people should do that more than just once a year.
It is a tricky business to know when you should set goals and objectives in order to achieve a focus, and when you would be better off dealing with the acceptance and management of your current reality so you can later step into new directions and responsibilities with greater stability and clarity. Only you will know the answer to that, and only in the moment.
Most of the stress people experience comes from inappropriately managed commitments they make or accept.
Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail as you need to. If you do, your systems will work. If you don't, no system will work.
Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.
If you don't pay appropriate attention to what has your attention, it will take more of your attention than it deserves.
Remember when your plans fail, that temporary defeat is not permanent failure.
Failing forward is the ability to get back up after you've been knocked down, learn from your mistake, and move forward in a better direction.
If you give up on the idea that your voice can make a difference, then other voices will fill the void
As a kid growing up in Latrobe, PA, I could dream about being an Olympian like Jesse Owens or Johnny Weissmuller. I could also dream about being a great golfer like Bobby Jones or Byron Nelson. But the idea of being an Olympic golfer never occurred to me.
I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with.
Remember: Rewards come in action, not in discussion.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.