From Dream to Done: Live Like a Project Manager
In the blog From Vision to Victory: Creating a Personal Success Strategy https://www.cheronda19.com/blog/strategy, I walk you through how I use strategic planning to set and reach my personal and professional goals and how you can do the same. Strategy isn’t just for corporations or executives. You can use strategy in your everyday life to make big moves and create the future you want.
One powerful way to bring strategy to life is by using project management principles. It might sound like “business speak,” but if organizations use these methods to succeed, why shouldn’t you, especially solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and individuals with personal dreams?
Let’s break it down:
Your goal (desired outcome) = the project
Your strategy = the plan
Managing that plan = project management
I’m a licensed real estate agent, so I’ll use buying a home as an example to show you how project management can help you turn a dream into a successful reality.
Turning Your Dream Into a Project
Home Purchase Example
Project Goal: Purchase a 3-unit building by November 2025 in Chicago.
A project is anything with a clear beginning and end that results in something new or unique. Purchasing a home? That’s a project. Starting school? Project. Launching a nonprofit? Also a project.
All successful projects follow a lifecycle. The stages for the lifecycle may range from 4-6 stages. I like keep things simple and use four stages:
Defining
Planning
Executing
Closing
Today, we’ll focus on the Planning Stage, which is often the most detailed phase of a project.
Planning Stage Components
Objective
Clearly define what you want to accomplish and by when. Example: Purchase a 3-unit building in Chicago by November 2025.
Schedule
Create a detailed timeline that includes:
Start and end dates
Key milestones (e.g., apply for pre-approval, tour properties)
Task assignments (what you need to do vs. what your agent or lender needs to do)
Deadlines
Your schedule becomes your accountability partner. Refer back to it often to stay on track.
Budget
Budgets are not one-size-fits-all. The budget and how many budgets you have will vary based on the project. Here’s how to break your down for our example of purchasing a home:
Primary Budget: Based on lender pre-approval (e.g., $500,000 max purchase price)
Pre-Closing Budget: Includes inspections, appraisals, earnest money
Post-Closing Budget: Covers moving, new furniture, renovations
Create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track each category. It’s better to overestimate than be caught off guard later.
Resources
Resources are the people, tools, services, and places that support your goal. Examples for our home purchase:
People: Real estate agent, loan officer, inspector, supportive friends/family
Places: City government housing programs, open houses, neighborhood events, real estate webinars and workshops
Things/Tools: Financial calculators, online grant searches, real estate podcasts
Some resources will be free, while others may require a fee or membership. Either way, knowing what you need ahead of time will boost your confidence and your chances of success.
Risks
Identify what could go wrong then plan for it. You may not be able to plan for every instance and will need to adjust at the moment. However, having a plan for as many risks as possible enhances your success rate. This is called risk management. Examples of risks for purchasing a home are:
Not finding a property within budget or location
Lower-than-expected pre-approval amount
Ineligibility for down payment assistance
Your job is to anticipate and adjust. Could you expand your search area? Save more for the down payment? Delay your timeline by 3-6 months?
Staffing
Your “project team” will include professionals and personal support. In this example we breakdown our staffing based on paid and unpaid.
Paid: Realtor, lender, attorney, inspector
Unpaid: Friends to watch your kids during home tours, family helping you move
Be clear on what role each person plays. Communicate and check in regularly.
After the Plan Comes Action
Once the planning stage is done, you move to the Execution Stage, where you carry out the plan—tour homes, make offers, secure financing. After that comes the Closing Stage, where you officially purchase the property and move into your new space.
⚠️ Note: This overview is meant to provide general insight. Always consult real estate professionals to customize a plan based on your needs and local market conditions. If you need help finding a real estate professional in your area, complete this form and I will locate one for you at no charge.
Project Management for Everyone
Project management isn’t reserved for project managers and businesses. It’s a skillset you can use to:
Organize your goals
Build realistic timelines
Manage your energy, money, and resources
Reduce being overwhelmed and increase momentum
I've used these strategies in every area of my life: real estate, career shifts, parenting, launching businesses, and helping friends hit their goals too. When you break your goals into projects and develop a strategy, you create space for action and accountability. Whether you're planning to go back to school, start a nonprofit, or buy your first home, you can manage your dream like a project with structure, clarity, and confidence.
Ready to Take the Next Step? If you need help creating a clear, tailored strategy to reach your goals, let’s work together. Book a Strategy Session with me to map out your goal, set a realistic timeline, and develop a plan that turns your vision into a victory.
