Projects are the worst, right? Whether it’s a research paper, a group assignment, or preparing for a presentation, the realities of having an open ended task can make it hard to know where to start.
The classic advice of breaking down a big project into smaller, manageable steps can be annoying to hear but is one of the best ways to tackle. It is key to avoiding stress and staying on track. Here’s how you can break down a big project and make it feel more achievable.
1. Read Through The Project Requirements
The first step in tackling any big project is to fully understand what’s expected of you. Carefully read through the project guidelines, instructions, or rubrics provided by your instructor. Highlight the following details:
Deadlines
The required length
Required format
Specific tasks or sections that must be included
Any special tasks
Write down any ideas that come right away
Tip: If there’s anything unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for clarification. Understanding the project inside and out is crucial before you begin.
2. Break It Down to Manage the Task Student
As a student, managing tasks can be daunting. Breaking it down can help with understanding it more.
This can be written in a formal outline, in your planner, or just something you think of and plan out mentally. Once you understand the requirements, break the project down into smaller parts. This could include sections like research, writing, creating visuals, or final edits. Think about the major steps that need to be completed for each part.
For example, if you’re writing a research paper, your outline, or sections to work on, might look like this:
Topic selection
Research (gathering sources, this one can be daunting so outline how many you need!)
Outline creation
Draft writing
Reviewing and revising
Final proofreading
Here's one of our favorite planners to use! Check out the butterfly planner here or the lion planner here.
3. Set Realistic Deadlines, Not Ideal Ones
It’s easy to procrastinate when a project seems too big, but setting realistic deadlines for each step will help you stay on track. Realistic deadlines mean ones that you won't see and ignore. If you work best under pressures, take that into consideration, without judgement. Break down the project into tasks and set a specific date to complete each one. Buffer time is helpful but not always required so do what makes sense to you.
Tip: Make sure your deadlines align with the overall project deadline. It's best practice to factor in time for unexpected hurdles.
4. Prioritize Tasks and Get Dreaded Tasks Over
Not all tasks are created equal. Sometimes even the idea of starting is the hurdle you need to get through. Some steps, like gathering research or outlining your work, may take longer than others. Identify the tasks that will take the most time and prioritize them. This ensures you’re spending your time wisely and not scrambling at the last minute.
Tip: Tackle the most difficult or time-consuming tasks first and have a reward ready for yourself!
5. Work in Small Chunks
Now that you’ve divided the project into tasks and set deadlines, it’s time to dive in. But instead of tackling everything at once, break your work into smaller chunks. Focus on completing one chunk at a time, and don’t worry about the rest until you’ve finished your current task.
For example, if you’re writing an essay, try focusing on one paragraph at a time instead of thinking about the entire paper. If you’re working on a presentation, start with the slides one by one.
Tip: Taking breaks between chunks of work will help prevent burnout and keep you fresh for the next task.
6. Stay Organized
A big project often involves multiple steps and materials. Keeping everything organized will help you stay on top of things. Use tools like to-do lists, digital calendars, or project management apps to track your progress.
If your project involves physical materials (like research articles or drafts), create a filing system to keep everything in order. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to search through piles of papers to find a single page.
Tip: If you’re working on a group project, create a shared document or folder where everyone can contribute and track progress.
7. Review and Revise
Once you've completed the initial draft or main body of work, don't forget to review and revise it. This is an important part of the process and can greatly improve the quality of your final product. Take a step back, read through what you've done, and check for areas that need improvement.
Tip: Reading your work aloud can help you catch mistakes or awkward phrasing that you might not notice when reading silently.
8. Ask for Feedback
Before submitting your project, ask for feedback from a peer, tutor, or professor. Getting a fresh perspective can help you identify issues you might have missed and improve your work further.
Tip: Make sure you give enough time for feedback so that you can make necessary adjustments.
Big projects can be intimidating and that's ok, you don't have to pretend that they are not. Trust that by breaking the project down into parts and sticking to your deadlines, you’ll be able to successfully complete it. You’ve got this!
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