Self-management before Project Management

As project managers, we often focus so intently on managing projects, teams, and stakeholders that we forget to manage the most crucial aspect: ourselves. I've learned through personal experience that effective project management starts with self-management. In this article, I'll share why managing yourself is crucial before or as you are managing projects, along with practical tips that have helped me along the way.

"You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first." - - Unknown

Why Self-Management Matters

Project management is a demanding role requiring strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. However, before you can effectively manage projects, you need to manage yourself. Self-management is the foundation of successful project management. It helps you develop the skills, habits, and mindset necessary to lead projects and teams successfully. When you don't manage yourself, you risk:

• Burnout and exhaustion
• Poor time management and prioritization
• Ineffective communication and conflict
• Lack of accountability and responsibility
• Stagnant personal and professional growth

As James Clear says in his book Atomic Habits , "You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems" (Clear, 2018). This quote has been a guiding principle in my self-management journey, reminding me to focus on building effective systems and habits.

Practical Tips for Self-Management

So, how can you start managing yourself before managing projects? Here are some practical tips based on my learnings, experiences and insights:

1. Personal Accountability: If you see in the mirror, are you happy with yourself? Personal accountability is nothing but motivation to deliver the best results that you can. Building personal accountability is crucial for achieving your goals and maintaining professional and personal integrity. It's about holding yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. It gives you better control.

Why should you focus on building personal accountability?

• You become better at keeping promises.
• Removes uncertainty from others lives.
• You take ownership & charge of your actions and behaviors
• You become highly professional

Ways for building personal accountability:

• Get real with yourself and others
• Don't say yes to everything
• Make a commitment to be committed

2. Be your own Coach: Develop the ability to coach yourself through challenges. This involves asking yourself tough questions, celebrating your successes, and learning from your failures. I've created a habit of self-coaching by reflecting on my day, acknowledging what went well, and analyzing what could be improved. This practice has significantly boosted my self-confidence and problem-solving abilities.

The most important thing here to remember is, Silencing your negative self-talk.

When we fail at delivering or performing a task, we start to question our own ability and potential. We often think you are not enough. You need to silence the chaos in your mind and take the failures as positive learnings.

3. Set Clear Goals and Priorities: Establish clear personal and professional goals. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what's essential. I remember when I first started as a project manager, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. Breaking down larger goals into manageable tasks helped me maintain focus and direction. One of my key goals was to improve my public speaking skills, which I achieved by attending workshops and practicing regularly.

4. Develop a Morning Routine: Start your day with a consistent routine that sets you up for success. This could include exercise, meditation, or journaling. Personally, starting my day with a short meditation session has made a significant difference in my focus and productivity. I also include a quick workout to boost my energy levels. There were days when skipping these routines left me feeling scattered and less productive.

5. Practice Time Management: Use tools like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to optimize your productivity. I've found that time blocking my calendar ensures I dedicate specific times to crucial tasks, reducing distractions. During a particularly busy project phase, this method helped me stay on track and meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Invest in Micro-Learning: This was recently suggested to me by my coach, Margarita Saakova at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 阿斯利康 . In one of our very first sessions of Speed Coaching, she advised me to invest some time in micro-learning, as it is a powerful strategy for continuous personal and professional development. These bite-sized educational units deliver knowledge and skills in manageable, easily digestible chunks, making learning more efficient and less overwhelming. Enrolling in an online course on SoftSkills, LinkedIn Learning has been my way of staying updated and continuously improving my skills. For instance, a course on project management from Harvard Business Publishing significantly enhanced my ability to know the most essential and basic project management concept. As Morgan Housel writes in The Psychology of Money , "Getting money requires taking risks, being optimistic, and putting yourself out there" (Housel, 2020). This mindset has driven me to constantly seek knowledge and growth.

7. Cultivate Self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. Identify areas for improvement and work on self-awareness. Keeping a digital journal has been instrumental in helping me track my progress and areas needing attention. I recall a period when I was dealing with high stress; journaling helped me understand my triggers and work on coping strategies.

8. Build Resilience: Develop coping strategies for stress, failure, and uncertainty. I've learned that taking regular breaks and practicing mindfulness are vital for maintaining resilience. During a challenging situation, mindfulness exercises helped me stay calm and focused, even when facing unexpected setbacks. Work on creating a perspective to navigate difficult times with grace.

9. Nurture Your Network: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage growth and learning. Regular coffee catch-ups with mentors and peers at Alexion, AstraZeneca have been invaluable for exchanging ideas and staying motivated. I remember a time when a mentor's advice on stakeholder communication transformed my approach and led to a better understanding of dealing with senior leadership.

10. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health: Prioritize mental well-being, healthy eating, and exercising . Maintaining a balanced diet has been key to sustaining my energy levels and mental clarity. I have been eating as much my body requires and have started avoiding junk food or eating at random time. After noticing a decline in my performance due to poor health habits, making these changes revitalized both my personal and professional life. I am still working on developing a regular exercise routine.

Conclusion

Managing yourself is the first step in becoming a successful project manager. By developing self-awareness, setting clear goals, and prioritizing your well-being, you'll be better equipped to lead projects and teams effectively. Remember, self-management is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication. Start managing yourself today and watch your project management skills thrive!

References:

• Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.
• Housel, M. (2020). The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness. Harriman House.