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Beating the Deadline Crunch
Half of the trick to successfully meeting deadlines is planning-learning how to
set and prioritize a goal. But the other half is dealing with the unknown.
Although a good plan reduces risk, even the best plan can't predict the
unexpected.
Write It Down
Anticipating the obstacles you'll encounter along the way to reaching a goal is
almost like forecasting the future. It's a game of guesswork-trying to imagine
what might happen along the way. Part of this process is creating an overall
plan so you're ready for any eventuality.
Set aside time each day to plan what tasks you'll be doing that day. You can
call it your Daily Task List. By looking at the master tasks of your project
plan, you can focus on specific items and break it down by what needs to be
done day-by-day.
It's a good idea to keep your Master Task List in a notebook binder with all
your Daily Task Lists. Wilson Jones'
View-Tab® Presentation Binder would be perfect for keeping track
of your lists. The Professional
View-Tab® Binder or
Professional View-Tab® Notebook would be great, also.
No matter how good your memory is, you can't keep track of the entire project
in your head. Writing down project tasks and making lists can help keep you
focused on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. It will also
help you visualize your time so you can plan and schedule accordingly.
The Difference between a Deadline and a Target Date
When formulating a plan that leaves room for last-minute emergencies, it's
important to clarify whether you're dealing with an honest-to-goodness deadline
or a target date. Here's the difference:
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When you miss a deadline, you are past the point of completing your commitment,
and you'll most likely have to deal with dire consequences.
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When you miss a target date, there may be consequences, but the job can still
get done, and usually is.
Dealing with Unrealistic Goals
Sometimes the deadline or target date is completely unrealistic and completely
out of your control because it was established by an external source. When this
happens, put in your best efforts, pull off a miracle if possible, and
acknowledge your team's hard work, no matter what the outcome is.
With an unrealistic target date, you have some choices: 1. You can revise the
deliverables and reduce the boundaries of the project. 2. You can put off
certain aspects of the project until later, completing the most important tasks
first. 3. You can negotiate a new completion date. 4. You can just accept the
target date and do your best to meet it.
Working Smart, Not Hard
Discipline and willpower. That's the dynamic duo you'll need to successfully
meet your deadlines. And you don't need someone looking over your shoulder
telling you what to do and when to do it. You can be your own boss.
Here's how to make sure you stick to your goals (and your guns):
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Set daily goal lines and be sure to accomplish these sub goals.
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Set aside time everyday to work on your big project. Try to get most of it done
early enough to leave room for the unexpected obstacles that might pop up along
the way.
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Use a scheduling system to remind yourself of your tasks, appointments,
meetings and events.
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Avoid any distractions that might keep you from completing your scheduled
production tasks.
The more organized you are, the less stressed you will be and the more
efficiently you will work. Here are some Wilson Jones products that will help
you stay organized as you tackle your big projects:
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