This diagram is something I encountered at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague. It expresses the essence of a project in an exceptionally simple and symbolic way, and it left a strong impression on me.

Every project has a clear beginning (Start) and an intended destination (Target) However, the path toward that goal is rarely a straight line. Projects move forward through uncertainty, detours, setbacks, and occasional dead ends.

Along the way, many elements — such as experience, understanding, courage, effort, and discipline — come together to create the momentum needed to progress. Even so, reality is rarely perfect. Not every project reaches its ideal outcome; some achieve success, while others result in near misses or unfinished goals.

What this diagram illustrates is the reality of projects themselves, while also suggesting that there are ways to navigate that complexity more effectively. Project management methodologies and governance frameworks exist to improve the probability of success.

Most projects can be found somewhere within this diagram. By understanding the current situation accurately and taking the right actions at the right time, the distance to the goal can be steadily reduced. For me, this diagram serves as a powerful reminder of both the essence of projects and the importance of how they are guided forward.