Everything takes longer and costs more than you originally thought. Plan for it.
From experience, I know. It’s partly the projects – there are always delays and unexpected challenges along the way.
The other part is my rosy expectations. I estimate and declare how long I WANT it to take – and I underestimate.
Ok – there is a saying that things take as long as you allow. If you have a hard deadline then it will be done by then – like getting ready for an event.
But when it comes to launching a new product, building a new building, getting a new business to make a profit, or rebuilding a department, it often takes longer than you originally estimated.
But big important projects are worth the time. As the years pass you are glad you did it. You reap the benefits year over year, long after the dismay of how long it took is forgotten.
What’s your big worthy project?
I love big projects (even when they take longer than expected). If you believe it’s worthy, and will deliver value to others, then don’t give up on it when you hit obstacles.
(P.S. Grateful and glad to be here!)