# Anxious about a big project? Try a pre-mortem

<figure><img src="/files/qsUb7Esu8hcJSLIvhlhc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Projects often fail for reasons that were retrospectively quite obvious.\
\
If you're diving into something big, try running a pre-mortem. It's a great way to predict project pitfalls. **🧠🔍**

**Flip the Vision 🔄:**\
We like to dream about what will go well with a project.

It would be better if spent time reflecting on everything that could go wrong instead. It's uncomfortable but taking this approach wil uncover all the possible setbacks and risks we might face.&#x20;

**Benefits of a Pre-mortem:**

1. **Avoid Traps** 🚫: Spot challenges before they arise.
2. **Build Resilience** 💪: Prep for setbacks, making them less daunting.

**Action Step 🚀:**\
Next time you set out on a project, balance your optimism with a pre-mortem.&#x20;

This method can bring you one step closer to realizing your ambitions.

Dropbox has a great primer on running a pre-mortem:\
<https://experience.dropbox.com/virtual-first-toolkit/effectiveness/run-a-pre-mortem>


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