Be the Project Manager you Wish to See

You really don’t want to know what my desktop looks like.

Seriously, my laptop is in dire need of the KonMari Method, but then again, I have always functioned within my own little world of comfortable chaos. I try keeping planners, and they work to an extent – that extent being two weeks because that is the longest I’ve ever been able to maintain one.

The most effective method for me is a classic to-do list. They are quick and keep me on track for most of my day.

I genuinely believe that Trello could save my life. You may think I am speaking in hyperbole when I say that and you’re probably right. But for now, let me marvel at the next-level organization that project management apps provide.

Okay, now that this sounds like an advertisement for Trello (hi Trello, sponsor me), I want to talk about organization in work and life some more.

As you know, organization has always been an abstract concept in my life. It’s always been so difficult to pin down. During my time in undergrad, I found myself in these over-committed situations. I managed to go to school full time and commuting in Boston, an internship, a job, a web editor/director position for a monthly lifestyle magazine on campus, and numerous other organizations and commitments.

By the end of my time there, I felt like a hollow shell of myself. Burnt out, terrible at keeping up communication, and in a creative stump.

What I realized this past year I spent out of school was that my work methods were no longer sustainable. I needed structure. I started mapping my days out even when I had nothing to do. It still takes constant practice, and I slip up now and then. But I know that it’s the best thing I can do for myself. When I created my structures, I started to thrive. I felt productive, energized, calmer, and overall, just happier.

I think that is why tools like Trello and other project management systems can be so helpful. Everything is laid out before you, you can check off boxes to feel the reward of completing tasks, you can centralize all the progress you’ve made on specific projects, and collaborate with others. It balances the chaos of a work schedule. I think this will be especially helpful in terms of organizing my goals and tasks.

Having one place to plan out the entirety of a class or a project (rather than scribbling in a notebook and hoping to maybe look at it one day) makes working so much simpler. It’s like having a virtual accountability partner.

While both studying and working in journalism, I cannot tell you how hectic work can get. As a writer, it comes down to really pacing yourself and making the time to get interviews, find resources, and get your research down in time for a tight deadline. It’s both exhilarating and exhausting. Being on the other side as an editor, there was the responsibility of keeping my section writers on track, planning the next issue with the executive board, and also maintaining the publication’s web presence.

I would have loved to have this kind of system then. But hey, there’s no time like the present.