In the fall of 2019, I embarked on a transformative journey to reassess my habits and set meaningful goals for myself. One of those goals was to improve my fitness. Over 18 weeks, I participated in a fitness challenge that taught me about health and strength and revealed the incredible power of habits, goal-setting, and accountability.
At the time, I didn’t realize how these lessons would transcend the gym and apply to professional growth—particularly in the realm of effective communication for project management.
The Power of Habits: Building a Foundation for Communication
“You get what you repeat,” writes James Clear in Atomic Habits. This idea resonated deeply during my fitness journey. Small, consistent habits—like preparing meals or completing every rep during a workout—helped me achieve my goals.
The same principle applies to communication in project management. Just as I had a fitness roadmap, teams need a communication framework to ensure alignment and progress. Whether setting up regular updates, sharing clear instructions, or soliciting feedback, habitual communication practices prevent missteps and keep everyone on track.
For example, a team that consistently holds weekly check-ins can identify potential roadblocks early and adjust strategies collaboratively. Much like my fitness progress was shaped by small daily actions, effective communication habits build the foundation for successful projects.
Accountability in Action: Communication as a Tool for Trust
One of the most transformative lessons I learned during my fitness challenge was the importance of accountability. No one could lift the weights for me or prepare my meals—it was up to me to follow through. Similarly, accountability is critical in project management, and transparent communication plays a central role.
When project managers set clear expectations, provide regular progress updates, and create systems to track key performance indicators (KPIs), they build trust within their teams. For instance, sharing a detailed timeline and updates during a project rollout ensures that all stakeholders understand progress and feel invested in the outcome.
Accountability isn’t just about keeping promises; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone takes ownership of their tasks. My fitness coach reminded me, “You get what you repeat.” The same holds in communication: Consistent transparency builds trust and credibility.
The “Why” Behind Goals: Purpose-Driven Communication
At the start of my fitness challenge, I worked with a coach who asked a simple but powerful question: “Why do you want this?” Understanding my “why” helped me stay motivated through challenges and gave every small action—like prepping meals or showing up at the gym—a deeper sense of purpose.
This principle is just as crucial in project management. When team members understand the “why” behind a project, they are more likely to stay motivated and aligned. A project manager who communicates the purpose and value of tasks can inspire their team to go above and beyond.
For instance, if the goal is to launch a new product, explaining how it will improve customers’ lives or drive the company’s growth gives the team a sense of shared purpose. Purpose-driven communication isn’t just about sharing facts; it’s about motivating others to see the value in their work.
Overcoming Challenges with Discipline and Communication
There were days during my fitness challenge when I wanted to skip workouts or indulge in late-night snacks. The discipline to endure these moments came from within, but it also required consistent reminders of my goals.
Challenges, like missed deadlines or team conflicts, can similarly test discipline in project management. This is where problem-solving communication becomes vital. When a project falls behind schedule, addressing the issue openly with stakeholders and discussing solutions as a team demonstrates integrity and fosters collaboration.
Effective communication isn’t just about sharing good news; it’s about navigating tough conversations with clarity and confidence. As I learned during my fitness journey, staying disciplined during setbacks can determine the difference between success and failure.
Tools and Techniques: Enabling Communication and Discipline
Throughout my fitness journey, I relied on tools like meal plans and workout schedules to stay disciplined. In project management, tools like project management software (e.g., Trello or Asana), communication platforms (e.g., Slack or Teams), and habit-tracking apps can streamline workflows and keep everyone aligned.
For instance, a shared project dashboard allows team members to track progress in real-time, ensuring that communication remains consistent and accessible. Similarly, setting up automated reminders for deadlines can help teams stay on track without micromanagement.
Project managers can create systems that reinforce accountability and enable seamless communication by integrating these tools into daily routines.
Celebrating Milestones: Progress as a Motivator
I felt immense pride when I surpassed my fitness goal in February 2020. Every small action I had taken—every workout and every meal—contributed to that success. Celebrating that milestone motivated me to set even bigger goals.
Celebrating milestones is equally crucial in project management. Recognizing achievements, whether completing a project phase or meeting a significant deadline, boosts team morale and reinforces the value of their work. By sharing progress updates and celebrating wins, project managers create a culture of positivity and momentum.
Becoming a Better Leader: Lessons in Self-Discipline and Communication
Ultimately, my fitness journey was about becoming a better version of myself. The discipline and accountability I developed weren’t just physical—they reflected my values. Similarly, in project management, effective communication reflects a leader’s ability to inspire and align their team.
Great leaders model emotional intelligence by actively listening, providing constructive feedback, and showing empathy during challenges. They understand that leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes but empowering others to succeed.
Conclusion: The Actions We Repeat Define Us
Whether in fitness or project management, our actions shape who we are and the outcomes we achieve. Effective communication, like discipline, is not a one-time effort—it’s a habit built through consistency and purpose.
By fostering transparency, celebrating milestones, and defining the “why” behind goals, you can create meaningful outcomes for yourself and your teams. As I learned in my fitness challenge, success is not about grand gestures but the small, consistent actions that move us forward.
Effective communication is the keystone of success—whether in the gym or the boardroom.
Based on the original article written by Jessica Orchin.
Gasparotto Group helps organizations create cultures that develop highly effective leaders and build strong, resilient teams.