How to implement Agile in my everyday life

The complexity of projects required by the growing market makes it practically impossible to shape it using a predictive approach. Among the numerous techniques available, a group of them is outstanding today: Agile methodologies.

The issue of constant changes, despite being a critical point, is not the only one in common among these methods. We can also mention the following:

• Search for the minimum necessary processes and documentation.
• Importance of people and communication.
• Focus on the customer.
• Value and quality.

Agile methodology focuses on serving, using as pillars quick and dynamic development phases and, especially, the flexibility to deal with changes in the project. Figure 1 below shows the changes from the predictive to the agile approach:

Figure 1 - Predictive and Agile approaches

Note: Image created by the author

To apply agility to my personal life, I take small steps, work with others, try, learn, support others, and keep learning. Agile is perfect to be applied in a routine where you can’t predict how your days will be. Unpredicted usually happens, and we need to adapt ourselves to different situations. Here I will mention a few steps to apply the agile methodology in my day-by-day:

1.    Take small steps

Things are overwhelming today. One way to respond to turbulence is to break things down into smaller tasks. I consider the significant demands and big goals I face and break them down into less intimidating tasks and smaller parts. I usually sequence activities and check them on my list one at a time.

Putting things in a more manageable manner keeps me motivate and increases my chances of success.

2.    Teamwork

The best agile-based work style values people over the process and prioritizes the team. If I need to complete a difficult task, I usually ask for suggestions and tips from experts. Also, I typically gather a group with shared interests to keep me motivated.

3.    Test, test, fail and test again

One of the premises of agile practices is testing and experimenting. Rather than aiming for perfection, agile processes promote the benefits of failing frequently and failing early, taking incremental steps to success. I allow myself to be less than perfect. Learn, expand, grow, and explore to be agile.

4.    Continuous improvement

The agile model is effective because it sets tasks in executable sprints - short cycles for which the team regularly receives feedback. I can apply this Agile lesson, always focusing on how I can improve. I usually look for new challenges at work, the gym, or even having quality time with my family.

5.    Make use of Software and Technology

I generated a Trello board of my life plans to manage efficiently and do a daily meeting to see if my life objectives are being achieved and which ones are in the backlog. Figure 2 below shows the example of the agile methodology applied to my day-by-day and routine with 2 volunteers’ jobs and personal tasks.

Figure 2 - Personal Life Kanban

Note: Image created by the author

  As shown in the image, I decided to create the lists based on my portfolios. So, there are two volunteers’ jobs and the tasks that I must participate in the following week. In addition, personal life included activities related to house, family, health, and food. And in the backlog, there are the deliverables that I must soon include in the weekly planner. This board will facilitate any changes that I must have in my day-by-day,

The maintenance of more rigid development models, such as the widespread waterfall, is threatened by innovative and more flexible models. With this strategy, I will be ready to face the fact that I will also apply agile and creativity to my DNA.