Those are the words that I really heard during this morning's workout. 

It was during the bi-lateral lunges. If you know, you know; they're second only to the Bulgarian Split Squat in terms of the pain they impart (*shudder*).

It may sound cliche, but that phrase can be applied to all of the harder situations we face day-to-day. And, for the purposes of this blog, I think it also resonates well in project management.

Oh, those memorable projects - where timelines slip due to (you're told) inevitable delays. Where budgets are blown due to scope creep. Where clients are blaming you for the fact that they're in deep water with their bosses.

We've all wanted to give up at points like this - where you look at (what feels like) destruction all around you, and wonder how you'll ever get through this one. And yet, you know you must.

That's when you need to go back to basics. You need your tools to see you through. 

Those unwavering project management go-to's that have seen and will see the project manager through the darkest of times (ok, ok, a tad dramatic, but you get where I'm going...).

It's the check-lists, the Gantts, the daily stand-ups, the status reports, the call outtakes, the budget reporting...I could go on. 

Those are the foundations of the work that will enable you to deliver to the highest standard. 

Does you use them as standard? If not, why not??

Having those items in your itinerary will simply enable you to do the job better - not reinvent the wheel every time, not be thrown off course by the next email that hits you.

Rely on your tools and they will see you through.

Yes, I could have just put those weights down and given up - but today I didn't. I went through. I just wish the reward wasn't the DOMS waiting for me tomorrow...