Think it All Through

How frustrating is it to start a project, only to find yourself without everything you need to complete the task?  This scenario costs each of us time, money and aggravation and puts us behind in our schedule.  Time spent in preparation is never wasted time.  If you are going to chop wood, the first hour should be spent sharpening the ax.

Before starting any major task or project, take the time to think it all the way through.  Get out your paper and pencil, iPad or other organizational item before you get the tools, materials and anything else you need for the project.

A map or blue print needs to be created, not in your head, but one that can be seen and referred to.  One picture is worth 1,000 words.  This will create clarity of purpose for all parties involved, helping complete the project accurately.

Every project varies and requires different tools, processes and materials, but you still need to think it all the way through.  Take each phase of the project and make a list that tells everything that is needed to bring it to completion.

Make a complete list of all material needed – every tool and all labor.  When you make your list for each phase or area, be thorough.  Do not allow any short cuts.  Think it through step by step.  See yourself doing the job in your head and write it down on paper.

Now that you have your lists, go over them a second time.  If anyone else is working on the project with you, have them go over your lists.  A fresh pair of eyes can bring additional insight, catch anything that was missed and at a minimum familiarize them with the project.

With your list in hand you can start gathering everything in one place.  This ensures that all the tools needed are available and in working order.  If there is any lead time on any material it can all be procured and ready for use before any project is started.

This will take a lot of stress and strain out of your life.  You will not be running to the store for missing parts, going online to find out of stock items or repairing tools that were broken the last time they were used.

There is a great poem, “For Want of a Nail a Kingdom was Lost” that shows how a king lost the battle that cost him his kingdom.  This all happened to him because of one horseshoe that was put on with one nail missing.

Keep your life and your business in order by thinking things all the way through.  An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  An hour or two of planning could save you hours, days or even weeks, depending upon the issue that is created by a lack of planning.