Project Kickoff Checklist

This checklist is a deliberate reflection before kicking of a new project. A new project can vary from a new software functionality to a new policy to be defined, or simply an article to be written. The idea is that before starting a new project, some time is spent to figure out what I already know on the goals of the project or what the open questions are. It isn't time consuming. Just 20 to 25 minutes is enough to reflect and kick start a new project. In the end I usechecklists to work around our unreliable brain.

The checklist

1. Capture any current thinking on the project.
2. Review folders (or tags) that might contain relevant notes.
3. Search for related terms across all folders.
4. Move (or tag) relevant notes to the project folder
5. Create an outline of collected notes and plan the project.
6. Ensure the project goals are clearly defined.

The steps help to build an archipelago of ideas. A note that bootstraps the beginning of the project and start flying from the start.

Finishing a project

Importantly, don't forget to use the Project Completion Checklist. This ensures a project will be closed correctly, but also ensures capturing ideas and knowledge for reuse.