We can overcomplicate things in life, but when it comes to Project Management (or indeed the pursuit of any goal) I propose that there are three foundational elements:

1. Decide what you want - Be selective and prioritize. Determine the ‘Best’ not just ‘Good’ things to be doing with your time, money and resources!

2. Set yourself up to achieve it – Even the most highly performant and motivated team cannot achieve the impossible. Certain considerations MUST be in place to allow the potential for a successful outcome and this will include such things as ensuring balanced and focused resource allocations (avoiding overloading and persistent context switching), having sufficient budget to complete the activities and of course setting attainable targets. I’m of the mindset that the majority of things are possible if you want it badly enough, but you need to focus and may just need to sacrifice other things to get there!

3. Fight like mad to get it done! - Build a relentless delivery-based Culture, such that if it’s possible to achieve it then this team will execute!

This may sound obvious, but I believe it is common that many projects fail because one or more of these elements are missing. I also believe that each of these ingredients are fully attainable, including building a culture of winning. Have a think about the project you're working on right now and just reach out if you need any help...