Tracking diffrent size projects

[dr_jones]

I have been unable to find a confortable system for traking diffrent sized tasks. I have large projects that can take a year or more and breaks down into discrete projects itself, for example, writing a book. I also have smaller projects that might only take a few days, say repairing the dishwasher, repairing and selling a desk, or packing for a move.

The individual projects of the large projects can overwhelm a simple projects list and hide the smaller projects. How can I track both types of projects? I would prefer a single list.

By the way, I use a paper based system.

Thanks!

 

[mcogilvie]

I have been unable to find a confortable system for traking diffrent sized tasks. I have large projects that can take a year or more and breaks down into discrete projects itself, for example, writing a book. I also have smaller projects that might only take a few days, say repairing the dishwasher, repairing and selling a desk, or packing for a move.

The individual projects of the large projects can overwhelm a simple projects list and hide the smaller projects. How can I track both types of projects? I would prefer a single list.

By the way, I use a paper based system.

Thanks!

I think what you are saying is that you list all the sub-projects of a larger project on the same list as smaller projects. If you have, say, a year-long project, it is unlikely that all of the sub-projects will be active at the same time. You must put the inactive sub-projects in project support materials. Those support materials, however you set them up, can be used to track the progress of a large project as you prefer.

 

[bradenchase]

Goals

It sounds like you're trying to combine your 30,000 ft with your 10,000 ft perspectives.

Personally, I never use sub-projects. If I have more than ~10 related projects I tend to group them together under a single desired outcome and call it a goal. For me and my hierarchical mind, it make much more sense to call "write book" a goal than a project because "write book" is such a giant undertaking (even if it's a short book) that you'll be constantly generating new ideas and new projects and tasks related to it.

If you really have to get this book written in 1 year, for example, then calling it a goal under which you'll organize your related projects and then reviewing that goal in your weekly review will bring you substantial more clarity. Goals are the direction projects should point.