Being a full-time project manager means never having the same day twice, an attribute of working for TBC that I truly love.
Being a full-time human means also never having the same day twice, an attribute of life that I love to hate. Wouldn’t it be great if we could ensure everything went smoothly and according to plan, both in our personal and professional lives?
We are all aware that this is not practical or possible, as much as we would like to fit everything into a nice box and tie it neatly with a bow. The unexpected has happened, is happening, and will continue to happen – and that’s okay!
I recently read the following phrase: “one is none, two is one.” Essentially, never just rely on one plan; always know what to do in case you need to make a quick pivot, whether that be calling in a colleague, making a quick trip for supplies, or rescheduling an event.
I love using dashes while writing – don’t they create such an impact when you get to one when you’re reading? Being a project manager (or just managing your personal life!) is all about operating within that liminal space – the dash of it all. What’s coming next? Is every duck in a row? How will this project end? Ensuring that you have proper procedures, reliable teamwork, and stellar communication and organization are all essential to making that dash a touch more predictable and palatable.
As a part-time working actor, it can admittedly be challenging to balance a professional and personal life without feeling like something has to suffer. However, I fully believe that even though tough times may come over you, they do not have to overcome you! This all goes back to living in that “in-between” space (an iconic horror franchise refers to this as “The Further,” but that has more to do with astral projection, so try not to draw TOO many comparisons from that!). Being honest with yourself about how much you have on your plate is vital to growing as a person and as a professional – and can help you figure out how to handle what’s on the other side of that dash.
One of my biggest pieces of advice when it comes to juggling responsibilities is simply this: let your “yes” be a “yes” and your “no” be a “no.” Are there exceptions to this rule? Of course! However, I have noticed that this is almost always the deciding factor when it comes to prioritizing commitments. Did I agree to attending this meeting, but perhaps forgot in the meantime and double-booked myself? Am I very excited about accepting a new acting contract but it conflicts with a personal commitment I made months ago? Think of it as your own personal Occam’s razor – it’s helped me a lot.
Some think that project management may not be the field for them, but when you think about it, you’ve already been doing it. We just call it life!
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