3 Project Management Habits That Will Help You Stick to Your Goals
- kevonyawebbriley
- Apr 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Staying consistent with your goals isn’t always about willpower.
We’re not always going to feel motivated when it’s time to get things done, and that’s okay. In my experience, consistency has more to do with commitment than motivation. And commitment becomes easier when you have a system that supports you even on the days you don't feel like showing up.
That’s where project management habits come in. Whether you’re managing a business, launching something new, or just trying to stay focused, a strong structure can be the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress.
Here are three project management habits that can help you stay on track with your goals:
Break Big Goals into Projects with Clear Tasks
Every solid project has milestones, or key moments that signal progress and help you evaluate what’s working and what needs to shift. You can apply that same mindset to your personal or professional goals.
Start by thinking of your larger goal as a full project. Then, break it down into milestones, those smaller wins that get you closer to your destination.
For example, as a fractional project manager, my bigger goal is usually landing a new client, but there are several steps I need to take before I get there:
Updating my website
Increasing visibility on LinkedIn
Marketing myself on Upwork
Each of those is a milestone, and within each one are smaller, actionable tasks. If I’m updating my website, those tasks might include:
Completing a photoshoot for updated visuals
Rewriting copy on each page
Creating booking packages to promote my services
Yes, it can feel like a lot, but that’s where tools come in. Project managers often use platforms like Asana, Notion, or Jira to keep everything organized. These tools let you map out tasks, assign responsibilities (even if it’s just to yourself), and track your progress visually.
As a PM, your job is to hold the big picture while managing the details. Having a clear breakdown of each step gives you visibility, momentum, and clarity on what needs to happen next.
Set Weekly Check-Ins (Even If It’s Just With Yourself)
One of the most powerful habits you can build is a consistent time to check in on your progress. It doesn’t have to be a formal meeting, just a dedicated moment each week to ask:
What did I complete?
What’s still in progress?
What’s no longer a priority?
Weekly check-ins give you a rhythm. They create space to recalibrate instead of waiting until something falls apart. And when you treat these check-ins like appointments that matter, it becomes easier to notice patterns, i.e. what’s working, what’s draining your time, and where you might need support or a pivot.
It’s especially helpful to start and end your week with a check-in. A Monday check-in helps you get focused quickly and pick up right where you left off, while a Friday check-in gives you a clear recap of what was accomplished and what needs to be carried into next week, with little to no delay or confusion.
Whether you’re tracking personal goals or team-based work, these check-ins give structure and accountability. You can do this with tools like Google Sheets or Excel, a project board in Asana or Trello, or even just a simple Google Doc. What matters is that you’re regularly reviewing and adjusting, not just blindly pushing forward.
Build in Buffers and “What If” Time
We all know that 99% of projects don’t go exactly as planned (if you didn’t know, now you know). If they do, it’s probably something like baking a box cake: simple steps, predictable outcomes, and not too many variables.
Most real-world goals and projects are messier than that. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive, not just reactive. As a project manager, part of your job is to anticipate potential challenges before they happen (delays, scope creep, team bandwidth, unexpected changes) and have a plan for how you’ll handle them.
NEVER set a deadline to be exactly when you need it.
That’s a recipe for stress. Instead, build in buffers around your milestones. Create space in your timeline for delays, last-minute revisions, or even moments when life throws something unexpected your way.
For example, if I’m aiming to launch a new service by the end of the month, I’ll set my internal deadline a week earlier. That way, if anything needs adjusting, or I need to pause and breathe, I’m not scrambling. I’ve given myself a margin to stay in control and stay on track.
Planning for the “what ifs” doesn’t mean you’re being negative. It means you’re being strategic. You’re giving your goals room to succeed, even when things don’t go perfectly.
Sticking to your goals isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being prepared. When you treat your goals like projects and lean into the habits that keep things organized, you give yourself room to actually follow through.
Whether you're working toward something big or simply trying to stay consistent, these three project management habits: breaking your goals into clear tasks, setting weekly check-ins, and building in buffer time can help you create a rhythm that works for you.
Start small. Pick one habit to try this week and build from there. Your progress doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. It just has to be intentional.
You've got this and the structure to back it up.
