🚩7 Steps to Create a Smarter Project Execution Plan

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Hey Everyone,

Ever feel like project execution plans are just overly complicated to-do lists? I used to think the same. Then I realized: the best plans aren’t about more steps—they’re about smarter ones.

Most people follow the same formula, and honestly? That’s why their plans fall apart at the first sign of trouble. If you want a plan that works in real life, you’ve got to think differently.

Here are 7 actionable steps to create a project execution plan that actually works:

1. Write the “anti-plan” first.
Instead of jumping straight to what will work, list everything that could go wrong. Identify potential risks, bottlenecks, and worst-case scenarios upfront. It’s easier to build a solid plan when you know what to avoid.

2. Find the ‘quiet killers’ in your timeline.
Look for tasks that seem small but could derail everything if delayed. Hint: It’s rarely the big milestones. It’s usually approvals, handoffs, or forgotten dependencies.

3. Set deadlines backwards.
Most people work forward from the start date. Flip it. Start with the final deliverable and work backward to map out what truly needs to happen (and when). This forces you to prioritize only what’s essential.

4. Assign ownership before creating tasks.
Here’s the catch: most teams create tasks and then assign them. Don’t. Assign clear owners to key deliverables before creating tasks, so people feel accountable from the start.

5. Forget 100% perfect clarity.
You don’t need every detail ironed out before starting. In fact, over-planning kills momentum. Get 70% clarity, move forward, and adapt as you go. The best plans grow with the project.

6. Build the plan for your ‘laziest’ team member.
I don’t mean this as an insult. Simplicity is key. If your plan isn’t simple enough for your least-engaged team member to follow, it’s too complex. Trim the fat.

7. Plan for momentum, not perfection.
Your first draft of the plan isn’t sacred. Build it in a way that allows for quick wins and immediate traction, even if some details are missing. Progress beats perfection every time.

Plans don’t fail because of bad intentions—they fail because we try to plan for a world that doesn’t exist. By taking a more adaptable, less conventional approach, you can build a plan that not only survives real-world challenges but thrives because of them.

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Until next time,
- Justin

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