As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us eagerly set resolutions, hoping to embrace change and improve our lives. However, statistics show that a significant number of these resolutions fall by the wayside within just a few weeks. Why does this happen? Often, it’s because the goals we set don’t resonate with our true priorities or seem unattainable in our daily lives.
For project managers, the challenge is even more pronounced; the demands of leading teams and juggling multiple projects can make it difficult to find resolutions that truly stick.
In this blog post, we’ll explore seven New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically for project managers—resolutions that not only enhance teamwork and collaboration but also foster personal growth and well-being.
Dive in!
7 Essential Resolutions for Project Managers This Christmas
1. Balance Work and Life
You definitely know how easy it is to get caught up in deadlines and deliverables. But remember, your physical and mental health should come first. Make it a priority to take care of yourself—spend quality time with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to take time off when you need it.
actiTIME Tip:
Carefully track your time to detect situations when you overwork without any obvious reason and detect situations when the reason can be eliminated and the workload redistributed.
2. Spend Less Time on Distractions
We all have our guilty pleasures—TV shows, video games, or that endless scroll through social media.
But if you find yourself spending over an hour a day on apps that add little value to your life, it might be time to reevaluate.
actiTIME Tip:
Use tools like Time Management Assistant to identify the distractions and refocus your energy on more productive tasks.
3. Stop Procrastinating
Procrastination is the nemesis of productivity! Just remember: waiting too long to make critical decisions—whether it’s approving budgets, selecting vendors, or choosing project methodologies, just because it’s always frustrating, putting off the initial planning stages of a project, spending excessive time trying to perfect a task or overanalyzing details instead of moving forward…
It’s easy to get used to, and once it’s got its claws into you, getting yourself out of the habit might prove highly challenging. Which doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it.
actiTIME Tip:
Arm yourself our comprehensive guide and beat procrastination in the upcoming year.
4. Enhance Time Management Skills
If you ask anyone if they want to be more productive, the answer will likely be a resounding “yes!”
Improving your time management skills is crucial for achieving that goal. Pledge to create realistic timelines, set priorities, and minimize project delays… But how?
actiTIME Tip:
Get free time management training from the makers of actiTIME. Learn how to prioritize, focus, and work smarter—plus get certified.
5. Quit Bad Habits
Two of the most widespread and dangerous habits that most people have a lot of trouble kicking are smoking and drinking. Not only are they detrimental to your health, but they can also drain your budget.
“But what do these have to do with project “management?”—you may ask.
Think of reduced focus, poor concentration, increased absenteeism, and decreased energy levels. These can disrupt project timelines and place additional stress on the remaining team members, not to mention that relying on smoking or drinking as coping mechanisms for stress makes burnout unavoidable.
actiTIME Tip:
Be honest with yourself about your capacity, and don’t overcommit.
In these posts, you will find more tips on how to reduce stress and avoid burnout at work.
6. Save both Personal and Project Budgets
Financial stability is key to reducing stress and creating a secure future.
Even if you’re not living paycheck to paycheck, there’s no excuse not to save a little each month for emergencies or future adventures. Start small—consider walking or biking to work, cooking meals at home, or cutting down on unnecessary expenses. You’ll be amazed at how quickly those savings add up!
And don’t forget about your team! Commit to finding new ways to increase efficiency within the project. This could involve eliminating unnecessary tasks or improving processes.
actiTIME Tip:
Stay updated on project budget pending with the latest tools and technologies and implement them to streamline processes and enhance productivity.
7. Invest in Professional Development
Finally, as a project manager, committing to continuous learning should be at the top of your resolution list. Whether it’s attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or simply reading industry-related books, investing in your professional development will pay off in spades. Stay ahead of trends and enhance your skills to lead your team more effectively.
actiTIME Tip:
Embrace continuous learning and development in your professional field, too. This can include attending seminars and workshops or obtaining further certification. Try one of these:
Conquering New Year’s Resolutions: The What and How
As we’ve already said, meaningful change requires effort, self-discipline, and effective time management..
That’s why we’ve prepared some practical tips to help you turn those resolutions into lasting habits this year.
- Set Realistic Goals: One of the biggest pitfalls in resolution-setting is aiming for unrealistic goals. We often set ourselves up for failure by seeking drastic, immediate changes. While it would be fantastic to quit smoking and shed all those extra pounds overnight, that’s simply not realistic. So, when creating your list of changes for the coming year, focus on specific and achievable goals. Instead of setting a broad goal like “lose weight,” aim for something more tangible, such as “lose 1-2 pounds per week.” Small, incremental changes are easier to sustain over time and will lead to more significant results in the long run.
- Create a Milestone Plan: Another common reason resolutions fall flat is the lack of a concrete plan. Without a clear roadmap, your resolutions can remain vague intentions that are easy to procrastinate or forget altogether. Just break down your resolution into smaller, manageable tasks and set a timeline for each. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, create a weekly workout schedule that includes specific days and times for your sessions.
- Keep the Motivation Alive: It’s natural for motivation to wane over time. The initial excitement often fades after a few weeks, especially if you don’t see immediate results. To combat this, find ways to keep your enthusiasm alive. For example, you can celebrate small victories along the way! Reward yourself whenever you achieve a mini-goal, whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite snack or taking a day off to relax.
- Embrace Setbacks as Learning Opportunities: Lastly, it’s essential to remember that setbacks are a normal part of the journey. If you slip up or fall short of a goal, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead of viewing it as a failure, treat it as a learning experience. Reflect on what led to the setback and consider how you can adjust your approach moving forward.
Remember, self-improvement isn’t a straight path; it’s filled with ups and downs. The key is to get back on track and continue striving toward your goals.
