First though, let's define "big project" for you.
It could either mean a difficult project, which means the task requires a higher level of concentration, or it could also mean "time-consuming" which means the chore itself is not hard to do, you just need a big chunk of time allocated for just that one thing. Another aspect to fight is boredom, because this type of task normally isn't challenging, but tedious.
Let's first talk about the big project that is rather difficult . This is a type of task that requires higher level of concentration. It would naturally take up a big chunk of your time regardless, because you would need to focus and put everything else aside to concentrate on this assignment - that's effective time management, but also the only way you could ever get it done.
Next, let's look at yourself .
When is your strongest point of the day? Is it when you're freshest at the beginning of your work day (usually morning)? Or are you at your best after you're warmed up, normally after about an hour or two into the day, or after tackling a couple small projects on your list?
The point at which you have the most strength and energy is the best time to tackle the big projects. That's effective time management.
Finally, what is the nature of the project?
Is this big project an independent task that can stand on its own, and could be done on its own terms? Or is it part of a chain to complete in order to yield the final outcome?
If this is an independent project, arrange youreffective time management to-do list so you do it when you're at your best.
If this project is part of a big chain of processes, take a time to sit down with the person who will be in charge of the next step and discuss your situation. Explain that this project, as important as it is, is NOT the only thing on your plate. Find out what their situations are and by putting deadline into consideration, find a situation that would work for both of you.
For example, would it be all right with them if you do this project at the end of the day, so they can have it first thing in the morning? Is two days turnaround time acceptable for this project?
What about big projects that are not difficult, but rather time-consuming?
One word: Delegate. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure your time is worth way much more than what you would be spending by outsourcing the task to the pro.
However, when delegating is not an option, here are two key steps you need to do to get this big projects done in the most profitable way you can and with the most effective time management:
1. Look at the other tasks on your to-do list. Are all assignments equally important? Do they have the same deadlines?
As tempting as it is to start with the big, tedious project, since it's probably the easiest thing to do, start with the chores that have the nearest due date.
However, if every task on that list has the same deadline, by all means, go ahead and start with this time-consuming-but-easy projects. Why? Because you're starting off your day in a relaxed manner. When you finally get this done (if you can't get it done in a day, see next bullet point), you'll be in the mood, you'll feel accomplished and you're ready to tackle everything else that comes your way for that day, which is a big boost for effective time management.
2. Project how much time you'd need to complete this project.
If you can't finish this project in a day, break it down into a muilti-day project. Dedicate a couple hours a day, and stick with it. Since this task is probably easy, and you might be tempted to spend more time on it than more difficult projects, be disciplined. Practice effective time management and remember that you have other thingsto do that are just as important.
There is not a single way that is universally the best when it comes to effective time management. It's all dependent on your nature and your nature of assignments.
For example, you may have been advised to always start with the most difficult task first. Imagine always starting your day with a complicated project that you're not-so-fast or not-so-good at. Now imagine you have 25 other things on your to-do list and only 8 hours to complete it all in a day, and you've spent two hours messing with that one particular task, frustrated and fruitless. And yes, you still have 25 other things on your list. The difference is now you only have six hours to complete it all, and now you're in a bad mood.
Every one of us is different, and there are no two chores that are exactly the same, even when they look so on the outside. Something is different, whether it's the timing, the circumstances, the expectations, or even your mood.
Simplify your to-do list by taking a look at several factors I mentioned above, and soon enough it will be a second nature to you when it comes time to decide if it's more effective time management for you to handle the big projects or finish the small tasks first.
