Project management is the art and science of turning ideas into reality. At its core, it's about getting things done — efficiently, effectively, and with as few headaches as possible.

More formally, project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. This definition comes straight from the Project Management Institute (PMI), but let's break that down into something more practical.

If you've ever planned a birthday party, launched a product, built a website, or even organized a vacation, you've managed a project — maybe without even realizing it. Every project has a goal, a timeline, a budget (even if it's just "don't spend too much"), and usually, a few surprises along the way. Project management helps you navigate all of that.