Don’t give yourself so much time you constantly run out of it!
When you’re setting deadlines for yourself, it’s crucial to select the right deadline—one that is neither too far away nor too close. Deadlines serve a critical purpose, but it’s important to understand why they are effective in the first place. They aren’t just about placing chronological restraints on a project. While that’s certainly a part of it, there’s much more to deadlines than just time-based parameters.
The True Purpose of Deadlines
The main reason deadlines work is that they compel us to take action before a certain time passes. They create a sense of urgency that pushes us to do things we might otherwise procrastinate on. Let’s be honest—human nature is such that we often prefer to delay tasks, especially those that push us out of our comfort zones. This tendency to procrastinate is universal, regardless of where you come from or how much education you have.
With all else being equal, most of us would rather not do anything that feels challenging or uncomfortable. We prefer to stick to what we know, which is why big projects often terrify us. We understand the importance of these projects and the positive impact completing them could have on our lives, yet we struggle to take the first step. Why? Because we’re scared of change. We’re afraid of the possibility of failure, of putting in all the time, effort, and energy only to come up short. This fear of failure is a powerful deterrent, leading us to make excuses and avoid taking action.
The Pitfall of Distant Deadlines
Here’s where the problem with distant deadlines comes into play. When you set a deadline far into the future, you’re often setting yourself up for disappointment. It may seem like a good idea at first—after all, giving yourself plenty of time should theoretically reduce stress and ensure that you complete the task, right? Unfortunately, that’s rarely how it works in practice.
Think about how often you’ve set a distant deadline and actually finished the task well ahead of time. If you’re like most people, this happens infrequently—so infrequently that you can probably count the times on one hand. The reality is that when we set distant deadlines, the rest of our lives catch up with us. New obligations, duties, and responsibilities emerge, competing for our time and attention. These new demands often push the task associated with that distant deadline to the back burner.
As time passes, these competing responsibilities can become overwhelming. By the time the deadline arrives, you may find yourself just as unprepared as if you had set the deadline much earlier. In some cases, you might even be scrambling to finish at the last minute, despite having had months to complete the task. This is the paradox of distant deadlines: instead of providing ample time to prepare, they often lead to procrastination and increased pressure as the deadline approaches.
The Power of Realistic Deadlines
To avoid falling into this trap, it’s essential to set realistic deadlines that strike the right balance. A well-set deadline should be close enough to create a sense of urgency but not so close that it becomes intimidating or paralyzing. The deadline should motivate you to take action, prompting you to start working on the task sooner rather than later.
Here’s how you can set the right deadline:
- Assess the Scope of the Task: Begin by evaluating the task’s complexity and the amount of time it realistically requires. Consider any potential obstacles and how they might impact your timeline.
- Break It Down: Instead of setting one large, distant deadline, break the task into smaller, more manageable parts. Set deadlines for each part. This approach not only makes the task feel less daunting but also helps you track your progress and stay on schedule.
- Avoid Perfectionism: Understand that no deadline is perfect. Striving for a “perfect” deadline can lead to analysis paralysis, where you spend so much time trying to set the ideal deadline that you end up not setting one at all. Accept that your deadline might need to be adjusted as you go, and be flexible enough to make changes if necessary.
- Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes unexpected events will require you to adjust your deadlines. Be prepared to adapt as needed, but don’t use flexibility as an excuse to procrastinate. The key is to remain committed to your deadlines while allowing for some wiggle room.
- Use Deadlines to Build Momentum: Once you’ve set your deadline, use it to build momentum. As you start working on the task and see progress, you’ll likely find it easier to continue. The initial push provided by the deadline can help you overcome inertia and keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The secret to setting effective deadlines lies in finding the balance between giving yourself enough time to complete the task and creating enough urgency to prompt action. When you set deadlines that are too distant, you risk falling into a cycle of procrastination and unpreparedness. On the other hand, if you set deadlines that are too close, you might feel overwhelmed and paralyzed by the pressure.
By setting realistic deadlines that motivate you to take action without overwhelming you, you can make better use of your time and increase your chances of success. Remember, deadlines are not just about completing tasks—they are about pushing you to do what needs to be done, even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable. So, don’t give yourself so much time that you constantly run out of time. Instead, set deadlines that inspire action and help you achieve your goals on time.