During the month of October, we want to explore some things that “spook” many of us. For some that includes ghosts, zombies, and vampires. For others it includes the impending doom of a fast approaching deadline. According to an article on Inc.com there are 6 key ways to complete your tasks by the deadline and rid yourself of the spooky impending anxiety.
Start with the specifics. You should know the exact day and time of your deadline. Deadlines shouldn’t be “by the end of the week”. Does that mean first thing Friday morning or by 5 p.m. on Friday? You should also know how your success on this task will be measured, so you can focus on that, rather than simply completing the task.
Negotiate. Is your deadline really realistic? If you know you can not complete it by the given deadline, find an alternative date that would work well for both parties. This way, you can give the task the quality time it deserves.
Break it down. Break the task down into smaller parts and accomplish one piece at a time. This way you can still accomplish some of your day to day tasks without your mind being distracted and overwhelmed by the larger project with the strict deadline.
Give yourself wiggle room. As you schedule the smaller parts of your big tasks, give yourself some wiggle room. Schedule a personal due dates a few days ahead of the actual deadline so that you have time to deal with last minute changes or unplanned tasks that pop up.
Consider asking for help. Admitting early on that you may need a little extra help (or extra time), ensures a much better chance that it will be granted to you. Even if it is not early on in your project, don’t be afraid to ask. People may still be willing to help. You may even be surprised with the knowledge or ideas that someone can contribute once asked for help.
Get started. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your project unless you want to feel like you are walking through a haunted house; scared and completely on edge.
Time ReDesigned can help you accomplish your short and long term goals and minimize the stress of impending deadlines. Incorporating these six tips into your professional toolbox can help you maximize your time and decrease work anxiety.
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