What do you do when you have more than one project to take care of at the same time? If you’re like most people, you either try to juggle them or don’t give each project the time it deserves, or you pick one and push the other aside to focus on that one. Neither of these approaches is great, and both can lead to problems down the road. Instead, learn how to manage multiple projects by using these eight tips.
1) Schedule time for each project
Managing multiple projects can seem daunting, but it's not impossible. Simply plan how you're going to manage your time wisely. Try using a spreadsheet or a calendar to keep track of everything that needs to be done. Don't forget to schedule time in your day-to-day life for personal tasks like rest and exercise!
Make sure you take the lead on one project at a time and then move on once it is complete before you start another. That way, you'll always have enough energy, space in your brain, and emotional stamina for what's next. Lastly, don't put any expectations on yourself that are unrealistic; push you hard enough but not too much. You don't want overworked employees or stressed out parents/partners!
2) Block out meetings in your calendar
When I'm juggling multiple projects, I use my calendar to set up specific times with each project. For example, I might have Monday from 9 am to 11 am booked for Project A and, then from 11:30 am to 1 pm for Project B. Depending on how much time it takes me to switch gears between projects, this leaves me with 30 minutes between meetings where I can grab a quick lunch or return an email or two. This allows me time to go back and forth without overwhelming myself.
3) Stay on top of due dates
You need to figure out how to make due dates work for all of all the projects. This is when a schedule becomes essential. The best way to start your day off is with a detailed schedule that includes all the due dates and some wiggle room in case your projections are off. Projects will overlap on each other from time to time and no matter how good of a plan you have laid out, they'll sometimes go astray.
4) Week out your workload
•Monday – Planning the week, focus on major projects. •Tuesday-Thursday – Carry out tasks for major projects. •Friday-Sunday – Lay back and do minor things or plan future days of work.
5) Delegate
If you're feeling too busy to accomplish everything you want to do, then take time to delegate tasks. Delegating projects might feel like a lot of work, but it will be worth it in the end as you found that not only are you staying productive, but so is your team. By giving others opportunities to help out with projects and ideas, they'll gain some much-needed experience in the field.
6) Priority on what's urgent
If you're having trouble staying on top of your work load, this is usually because you're trying to focus on everything at once. However, prioritizing what's urgent will help you get through a lot faster. For example, if one project is due sooner than another and there are still steps that need to be completed before it can be submitted, then spend more time working on that project, so it doesn't become overdue and stressful.
7) Track your progress
Set realistic goals. One of the keys to staying on top of multiple projects is setting small, achievable goals. Instead of assigning yourself too many tasks, try aiming for three or four manageable tasks per day.
8) Know what is flexible
You need to be open to change. Keep in mind that some of your projects might require more of your time than others. For example, some weeks you might spend two hours on one project while spending four hours on another project.
Conclusion
If you have more than one project going on, whether it is project at work or with friends, it can be tough to stay on top of everything. No matter how many things you're juggling, there are ways to stay organized and keep things straightened out. Here are some tips that will help:
1) Get enough sleep. Working all day, running errands in between meetings, answering emails before bed, and working over break can leave your body exhausted.
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