Modern project management methodologies have been used in the workplace for over half a century, improving completion rates of complex, high value efforts.

Using a project management framework is no guarantee of success, but if we devote so much attention to managing work projects in order to succeed, should we not apply these practices to our personal high value goals?

When planning your next personal project or goal, consider the following project management concepts.

Time

Before drowning yourself in work, schedule all tasks related to the project that you know of right now. Be prepared to adjust milestones and due dates. Take other commitments into account: work days, classes, birthdays, holidays, free time, exercise, other projects. Understand dependencies and swap tasks if need be.

Quality

If you've set your mind to doing something, you may as well do it well. Use metrics or a checklist to assess a job well done. If your goal is to get fit or lose weight, you might want to test your stamina by setting a distance to run without pausing or check your body fat percentage.

review where you're at regularly, even daily

Resources

Certain projects require substantial funding, while others may benefit from other points of view or help. Thus, when embarking on any mission, you must consider all associated costs. Overlooking or calculating expenses incorrectly could make-or-break the project in some instances.

Avoid rescheduling by finding someone who can back you up, offer advice or be your proxy where possible. Networking can be nerve-racking at first, but you never know who you'll meet.

Risks

Think about obstacles or setbacks that might arise. How will you deal with them? For example, if you have a paper due and you get a cold, how much contingency time do you need to add to preparation? A week? More?

Review

Take an agile approach to your goals and review where you're at regularly, even daily. Identify and analyze where and how things went wrong. Think of ways to improve or resolve issues now or for the future.

Be accountable and increase success by sharing your weekly progress with a friend.