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Dealing with Deadlines
There are two basic types of people in life-those who let things happen to them
and those who set goals and make things happen for themselves. When you're
dealing with deadlines, the same principle applies. You can either wait or let
the deadline creep up on you, or you can take matters into your own hands and
evaluate the situation, calculate your next move, and set out for your goal.
Finding Positive Motivation
When you've got a deadline staring you down, the last thing you want to do is
start worrying that something terrible is going to happen to you if you miss
the deadline. When you focus on the negative, all you can see is the problem,
not the solution. Find a positive motivation for yourself-something that isn't
threatening or anxiety-inducing.
For example, imagine what will happen when you do meet the deadline. Think
about how pleased your boss will be. Or promise yourself a reward when you're
done-a new book to read, an afternoon at a spa, a day at the beach, or a night
at the movies.
Establishing Goals and Priorities
Any deadline represents an ending-the completion of a project, the resolution
of a problem. But to reach that end you've got to start at the beginning.
You've got to set goals for yourself along the way.
When you are establishing a goal, be as specific as possible. Write down
exactly what you're going after. The more detailed the goal, the easier it will
be to achieve because you'll know precisely what you're trying to accomplish.
You also need to know why you are striving for a certain goal-it's not enough
to know that you just want something, you also need to know what your intention
is. Your intention is the driving force-it's the reason you'll work hard to
reach your goal.
Once you've established a goal, you can determine its importance. This
establishes your priorities so you can see what takes precedence and then act
accordingly.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you measure the importance of a
goal:
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Is it urgent?
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Does it require your immediate attention?
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Are there any immediate benefits or rewards associated with it?
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Is it valuable?
Making a List
As with any large undertaking, tackling a big project with a deadline will
become much easier when you break the big task down into many smaller tasks.
Sometimes making a list is as simple as writing down all the steps you need to
take to get something done. For example, if your big project is hosting a
dinner party, you can break it down into a list of steps, beginning with
creating a guest list and ending with decorating the house.
To make a list, you'll need a good notebook. The
Professional View-Tab® Notebook could be just what you need. Or,
try the View-Tab® Notebook
Becoming the Architect of Your Own Goals
When you take charge of a deadline, you become the architect of your own goals.
You get to say what's important and when it gets done. When you follow these
seven steps, you'll find that those intimidating deadlines are actually well
within your reach: 1. Set specific goals with deadlines or target dates. 2.
Define the project. 3. Find your motivation. 4. Know why you want to reach a
goal. 5. Establish the importance of your goals. 6. Break down each big task
into a list of smaller, bite-sized tasks. 7. Establish the priorities of all
the smaller tasks.
Step-by-step, your work is done!
Take advantage of these Wilson Jones tools as you begin taking charge of your
big projects: the Professional
View-Tab® Binder the
Professional View-Tab® Folio with 5 Subject Sorter the
Active Use Binder or the
Print Won't Stick Snap Folder
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