Ever find yourself juggling a million things at once? Kids’ activities, home projects, personal goals, and maybe even a side hustle? Same here! That’s why I want to share something that totally changed my game: project management principles – but make it fun and practical for real life!
The Secret Sauce: Charter, Plan, Control
I learned this amazing framework from Project Success, Inc. (https://projectsuccess.com/), and it completely changed how I tackle everything from family vacations to my fitness goals. Don’t worry – I’m not about to make you sit through a corporate training!
Let’s break it down in normal-person speak:
Charter (aka “Getting Clear on What You Want”)
- What’s your dream outcome?
- Who needs to be on board? (Looking at you, spouse and kids!)
- How will you know you’ve nailed it?
- What’s realistic given your time and budget?
Plan (aka “Making it Actually Happen”)
- Breaking down big dreams into doable chunks
- Figuring out what comes first (because you can’t organize the garage before decluttering!)
- Being realistic about your time and energy
- Setting dates that won’t make you cry
Control (aka “Keeping it Together”)
- Checking in with yourself regularly – At the end of each week, review your progress. This helps you stay on track and make any necessary adjustments
- Rolling with the punches when life happens – those adjustments
- Dealing with obstacles (like when the kids get sick right before vacation)
- Learning from what works (and what totally doesn’t)
Example of How This Stuff Actually Works!
Let me show you how this plays out in real life:
Family Vacation (because planning Disney World shouldn’t require a PhD)
- Charter: Getting everyone excited about the destination and agreeing on a budget that won’t give you heart palpitations
- Plan: Finding family-friendly activities, booking the must-dos, creating a loose schedule that allows for spontaneity (fun activities or extra relaxation)
- Control: Tracking bookings, adjusting for weather changes, keeping track of spending without obsessing
Getting Back in Shape (without losing your mind)
Here’s a simple visual of how this might look:
Your Turn: A Template That Actually Makes Sense
I’ve created a super-practical template to help you tackle your next big thing, whether it’s a home makeover or starting a side business. No corporate jargon, just real-life planning that works!
Thriving Life Project Planner Click to open document
