Kadett Chronicles 9: From crap to cool – a process

It’s all about the project management. The strategery if you will. This is where I can be exceedingly helpful to this project since that’s basically what I do for a living. I like to get things done. I think it’s important to explore this part of the process because, let’s face it, if we lollygag around for the next few weeks, we’re not going anywhere. I also think that this might be the post where you sit up and pay a little more attention since it’s stuff you can apply to your very own “crap to cool” project of passion.

Here we go…

Make a list. Make several lists if you have to. Lists will save you!! Well, they help you prioritize the project anyway. And work backwards. I call this “Blue Skying”…in a perfect world, if you could complete everything that can possibly be done for this project, what would that look like? Write it all down in one giant to-do list. This allows you to figure out your priorities since you can see all the things that should be done laid out before you in one place. Then pare back and organize from there as necessary to meet your deadline and still be happy with the end result with your sanity intact.

In our case, we have 5 lists that I shared in an earlier post: things we need to buy; things we need to get out of storage that we’ve been saving for a rainy day or a project like this; things we need to pilfer off of other Opels that The Gearhead owns; things we need to make (like door panels); and finally, things we need to install to put the Kadett back together again once and for all.

Plus, lists also give you the added bonus of being able to cross things off the list as you complete them which is all kinds of satisfying. But that comes later.

Set your expectations. Talk through your project idea and your priorities to understand and be completely content with what you want to get out of it when you’re done. After all, why go through all the work to be angry in the end because you committed to too much in the beginning? No one wants that.

To alleviate that, I tend to work in phases…Phase 1 is the essentials. In our case here, our focus is that the engine runs and maybe some seats and windows are installed since that would be nice on a drive to halfway across the country. Does the car HAVE to be painted? No (chagrin!). Do we NEED door panels and headliners and radios? Those aren’t really all that integral to the trip. The criteria for Phase 1 is simple: if we don’t do it, we don’t go anywhere. Then it’s just a matter of prioritizing what comes next for Phase 2 and beyond. For The Gearhead, it might be installing the under-dash; for me, it might be installing cup holders. Go ahead and negotiate as necessary on what is important to you and any partner you have with you on this journey.

Decide on a timeframe. You need a deadline. Not that the deadline couldn’t be flexible (in our case it’s not, but you may have more time on your hands), but you need to be accountable for showing progress or the project will never get done. This is especially important if you are taking on this project by yourself. There’s no one there to prod you if you’re lagging so a deadline is a nice reminder that can help keep you going. The priorities you end up with from your lists will help to inform your timeline (and budget too).

Plan, plan, plan. Did I mention that I’m a planner? This is extremely helpful. You need to be able to look into the future to see how this project gels with other commitments you have for yourself. Then you can adjust your timeframe to accommodate your busy schedule. Or you can adjust your busy schedule to fit your timeframe. Either way, something may have to give and you need to know what that has to be.

But don’t forget to be flexible!! This is the trap that most of us get ourselves into when we plan big projects or trips. We get so married to the plan that we can’t adapt. And frankly, we just get cranky with ourselves, each other and the situation. Where’s the fun in that? That’s where the phased approach comes in so handy. In the end, as long as the car runs, we’re on the road, remember? Baby steps. Small victories. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Insert any other quote or adage that makes your heart stop pounding and makes you enjoy life a little more. It’s too short for getting too worked up about something that’s supposed to be fun for you!

Evaluate. Choose certain intervals of the timeline to stop and check out your progress. Are you on track? Do you need to change things up a bit? Do you need to re-prioritize anything? The key to successful projects is being able to recognize progress and lack thereof – and be willing to make necessary adaptations to keep the project going. Plus this gives you a chance to take your own temperature as it relates to the project. Are you still into it? Do you need a break? Are you getting frustrated with your progress? Are you overwhelmed? Are you cranking things out and can step up the pace? How do you feel? In the end, that’s a great gauge for staying sane along the way too.

Enjoy the end game. Don’t forget to revel! You did it! Remember that your journey doesn’t end with the completed project. We get to drive a snappy new vehicle around long after the car show blows outta town. And every time we do, we can relive the process it took us to get there in all its glory. Booyah!

Anybody have any other project management tips to share?