Every Achievement is a Project
- sameralqudah
- Oct 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 7
This isn't just a quote. It’s a lens through which I view every milestone, whether personal, professional, or organizational. Whether it's launching a product, improving a customer journey, scaling a PMO, or even making a career move, behind every achievement lies a structured effort, a timeline, a set of stakeholders, and a goal. That’s a project.
“Every Achievement is a Project.” — Samer Al-Qudah (2020)
Turning Vision into Execution
Too often, people see achievements as spontaneous outcomes of ambition or talent. But in reality, success rarely happens without intentional design. The best leaders, teams, and organizations don't leave achievement to chance; they plan for it.
Think about any real progress you've made:
Did it involve clear goals?
Did it require collaboration?
Was there a timeline?
Did it demand adaptability and learning?
If you answered yes to any of these, you were managing a project, whether you called it that or not.
Why This Mindset Matters in the Digital Age
Digital transformation is about more than technology. It's about evolving how we think, work, and deliver value. As someone who's led strategic initiatives in dynamic, fast-paced environments, I've seen firsthand how the project mindset enables:
Understanding within complexity – Defining scope and priorities in rapidly changing markets.
Ownership and accountability – Empowering cross-functional teams to deliver results.
Measurable progress – Translating ambition into real, trackable outcomes.
When you start viewing achievements as projects, you stop waiting for results to “happen” and start building the conditions for them to emerge and scale.
From Career Growth to Team Performance
This philosophy doesn't only apply to business goals. It’s deeply personal.
Looking for a new role? That’s a project with milestones, stakeholders, and a go-live moment.
Upskilling your team? That’s a project that needs planning, feedback loops, and change management.
Redesigning your PMO to be more strategic? Another project, with real outcomes tied to leadership maturity.
By applying project principles to every form of progress, we transform effort into impact.
Leading Through Projects, Driving Through Purpose, Through Achievement
As a senior manager, I lead with purpose, but I drive through projects. I know that the distance between vision and value is best covered by structured execution.
And the next time someone asks how you achieved something, remember:
The Importance of Structured Execution
Structured execution is key to achieving your goals. It helps you stay focused and organized. When you break down your goals into manageable projects, you can track your progress more effectively. This approach not only enhances accountability but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Creating a Roadmap for Success
To successfully navigate your projects, create a roadmap. This roadmap should outline your objectives, key milestones, and the resources you'll need. A clear roadmap allows you to visualize your journey and adjust your strategies as necessary.
Engaging Stakeholders
Engagement is crucial. Involve stakeholders early in the process. Their insights can help shape your project and ensure alignment with broader organizational goals. Regular updates and feedback loops keep everyone informed and invested in the outcome.
Embracing Change
Change is inevitable. Embrace it. Flexibility is essential in project management. Be prepared to pivot when necessary. This adaptability can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.
Measuring Success
Finally, measure your success. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate your progress. Regularly assess your achievements against these metrics. This practice not only highlights your successes but also identifies areas for improvement.
Let’s connect on how we can turn your next achievement into a successful project—because the two are one and the same.
