5 Tips to Help you Estimate how Much Time a Project Will Take

I had just had a good run of projects, doing good work I was proud of in the right amount of time... and then, a couple weeks ago, disaster struck.

I had a string of projects to do. So, I did my best estimate on how long each project was going to take.

So I looked into project time estimation, and, as it happens, I'm not the only one who has a hard time with it.

There's actually a bunch of studies out there about, what researchers call, the Planning Fallacy. The gist is this: **we are all over-optimistic about our time estimates.**

"We chronically underestimate the time things take: that's why Sydney Opera House opened 10 years later than scheduled, and why the new Wembley stadium opened last year, not in 2003, 2005 or 2006, each of which had been, at various points, the predicted completion date. It's also why the list-makers among us get up each day and make to-do lists that by the same evening will seem laughable, even insane."

The Planning Fallacy, this over-optimism we have about plans, seems to effect all of us, regardless of culture or age. So, if you've ever been late on a project, you're not alone.

But I don't want to spend the rest of my life late on some deadline. **If we can make more accurate estimates about how long something's going to take, we're going to spend more time doing GOOD work and less time doing stressed out crappy, rushed work.**

So here are 5 tips to help you estimate how much time a project will take.

[brostom]

Very informational, fun, helpful video. Thank you so much. Now I can go back and finish my project. :)

[pauls]

I really like Tip 3, reverse engineer and just go for the v1.0 outcome. I'd never looked at it like that before. I probably start by looking for the v100.0 version. The idea of keep narrow and keep focussed is so sensible. Thanks for posting. Great video

[veraliberman]

I know this video is old but i just wanted to thank who ever made this because these kind of advices means so much for me right now. it really helps me out! i hope these would work and help me get things done.

[LightmasterChampion]

Wow, a Rush cover at 9 o'clock. How cool is that!

[YasirAli]

Hey I am from a different part of the world and wish to know that the coffee cup you used in this video shows up in almost all the Hollywood movies. I was curious if this is some standard issued coffee cup or what? :)

By the way I really liked the way you presented. I may sub just to see your presentation style. So excellent work there. Your personality is just delightful.

[ModemmeX]

A) I love a Stewart Plaid and B) I suck at time estimates, too and 3) was an intern supposed to put an end card on those astronauts? Great video!

[nicolestaley]

Might I ask where are he links in the descriptions promised in the video? This video was informative and I was also looking into going further with the links? However there are none? Especially the productivity log? Help please ? Thanks 🙏🏼

[franciscojsanz]

Excellent video!

Important question: is that a bottle of Fernet Branca, between those books?

[afrodeezeet]

Is it supposed to not be clickable lol? I wanted that link tho...

[harshulphadke]

Hello Sir,
The project manager asks how much time you are taking for each activity and why ? in such case how to handle the situation?

[henriklarsen]

I know guys hate being told this, but you are utterly adorable :D And good video!

[Lifeskope]

^_^ - (Laughing VERY hard) ... (Still laughing!!!) ... P.s. You know the astronauts aren't actually click-able right? I mean I tried, I did, but no go. But ;) I'm already subscribed so it's all good ^_^)

[glxat]

who is this guy? doesn t look like a construction guy to me

[alexisnn]

Don't you know money is time? First point is totally disagree! If a project tram double of the time estimation will only cause Ethernet whole team time wasting and resources and of course cause people slack in the project