Be prepared for the unexpected.

You can not truly anticipate or prepare for every possible scenario, but stressing over the worst-case scenario will also not help. Instead, plan your project schedule in a manner that proactively counters possible risks and reduces the friction caused by the unexpected.

1. Use extreme preparation.
   Invest a little extra time and energy to thoroughly prepare for any project that comes your way. Plan out a calendar for the next few months so you know when you need to start working on each task; plus, you will be able to plan around important events.

2. Add 50% to your time estimate.
   For example, if you think you’ll be able to finish a task in an hour, you will probably finish it in about an hour and a half.

3. Ask yourself these five questions:

   1. What risks do you face on this project?
   2. What is the worst-case scenario?
   3. What would the social effects of this be?
   4. What would the financial impact of this be?
   5. How can you invest to reduce risks or strengthen financial or social resilience?

Your answer to the fifth question will be the changes you need to make regarding your project.