Develop the unique skill of differentiating between to-do list action items and small projects. In the All the Hats We Wear project management system, a project is any action or goal that takes more than 90 minutes to complete. If you can’t complete it in a 90 minute session, you identify it as a project.

For example, I came up with an idea for a podcast episode theme. I want to share the lessons about psychology we can glean from cults and cult leaders. As soon as I thought about it, I decided to make it a project and doing so made me have a more exciting and stress-free relationship with the outcome. I knew it’d require some measure of research and preparation. Now I gave it breathing space and that felt good. If I continued thinking of it as a to-do list item, it’d feel like a chore and very daunting one at that! Once it’s a project, you can apply the 7 stages of project management to it.

7 Stages of Project Management:

1. Identify the Spark. What’s the emotional connection you have with this endeavor?

2. Gather. Begin collecting all resources related to your project.

3. Brainstorm. Ask a lot of questions.

4. Structure. Decide on the major components.

5. Action. Roll up your sleeves and do the work required.

6. Refine. Make it sparkle by repeatedly making small improvements and adding clarity.

7. Celebrate!