A 5-Step Process to Turn a Deadline Into a Walk in the Park

Written by chellie

July 29, 2021

Do you dread deadlines? If so, that feeling could be sending you into a state of inaction, causing you to miss your deadlines, which then increases your stress about them. It’s a vicious, self-perpetuating circle than can have a big affect on your professional brand or reputation. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make it easier to meet those deadlines.

Try this process to turn missed deadlines into things of the past:

  1. Set up your priorities. Determine which tasks are the most important. When you have deadlines, they usually speak for themselves on what tasks need to be done first.

If you’re having trouble with setting up your priorities, you may need to ask your supervisor which tasks are more important than others.

  1. Design your schedule around your priorities. When you streamline your schedule, you’ll ensure that you have the time to complete your projects on time. Divide larger projects into steps and include adequate time in your schedule for each step. Then, stick to your plan!
    • Limit your obligations to keep from becoming overwhelmed or overcrowding your schedule.
    • You might need to turn down offers from well-intentioned friends in order to keep to your deadline schedule.
    • There might also be times in which you need to call in family, friends, or coworkers to ensure that you have the time free from other responsibilities in order to get the job duties completed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate some tasks when you need to.

  1. Make a daily to-do list of what tasks need to be done each day and at what time. Compile your list either the night before or at the beginning of your day. Use a notebook or pad that you can fit conveniently next to your keyboard on your desk. Don’t make it too big or it will create clutter and lead to distractions throughout the day.
    • Follow your list religiously and check off items when they’re completed. This will give you a feeling of accomplishment and motivate you to stay on track.

  1. Take breaks and stay nourished. You might feel that you don’t have time for breaks, but these breaks in your workday actually enable you to get more done, which helps you to stay on schedule.
    • Get up and stretch or take a walk to keep your blood circulating. A short break rejuvenates both your mind and body so you can make renewed headway on your tasks.
    • Take the time to eat a nourishing meal so you have the energy to do your work effectively. However, a heavy meal will make you feel tired and lethargic, so keep it light and nutritious for best results.

  1. Rely on your dedication and determination. Dedication and determination are key factors in performing any duty that you undertake. Work on developing these traits in order to move through your day at a practical pace. Finish the tasks that need to be completed before you call it a day so you don’t have to start out the next day already behind.

Meeting your deadlines is important to your success at work. Practice this process to make meeting your deadlines easy and you’ll never have to worry about missing them again.

If you want more secrets to building a successful career brand, you can:

Join my course The Career Accelerator and fast track your career.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch quick tips to help your job search or make yourself promotable.

Join my private Successfully Ever After Facebook Group for trainings and information designed for success-seekers.

Check out my audio books: Get Noticed, Get Hired or When In Doubt, Delete It!

You May Also Like…

Join me virtually at the Women Thrive Summit!

Join me virtually at the Women Thrive Summit!

I’ve been selected to speak at the Women Thrive Summit – a global event taking place during Women’s History Month. The Women Thrive Summit is a one-of-a-kind experience designed to ignite your potential, amplify a diverse group of women’s voices, and inspire you to make a lasting impact in your personal and professional life. 

Unlock Your Potential: Make Your Dreams Come True

Unlock Your Potential: Make Your Dreams Come True

Discover the keys to career advancement and leadership excellence in our latest blog post, ‘Unlock Your Potential: Make Your Dreams Come True in Your Career.’ Explore motivational insights, practical tips, and download our exclusive ‘Make Your Dreams Come True Worksheet’ to kickstart your journey to success. Invest in yourself, set goals, and pave the way for a brighter professional future!

7 Success Habits That Can Change Your Life

7 Success Habits That Can Change Your Life

Successful people have several things in common that help them achieve the goals they make for themselves. These habits are designed to set them up for success and create ways to go through their day focused on what is essential.

%d bloggers like this: