How to Improve Meeting Deadlines

Set a time limit for each chunk of work.

Whether you're in college or the workforce, deadlines will work their way onto your calendar. Failing to meet a deadline can hurt your reputation as a reliable worker or affect your grades, so take precautions to avoid procrastination. A personal schedule should frame your work and a timer should act as an enforcer.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar or electronic scheduler
• Alarm clock

Instructions

1. Clarify project deadlines. When making a deadline for yourself or for others, be specific. Give a time as well as a date. If a boss, teacher, client or team leader is supposed to give you a deadline, talk with this person until you're clear on a time.

2. Record all deadlines on a calendar or electronic scheduler. Even if you trust your memory, take this precautionary step.

3. Divide the workload into sections and estimate how much time you will spend on each one. This will make the work seem less confusing and less intimidating. For example, if the project is an essay, divide the paper into sections and decide how much time you will need to commit to those sections.

4. Establish breaks. Don't attempt to climb a mountain of work without taking a rest. On the other hand, you shouldn't allow your breaks to run overboard. Choose a specific time limit for your recesses and set a timer.

5. Eliminate distractions. If you're working from home, stay away from the television remote. If you're working on a computer, close any tabs or windows that don't relate to your work. Save social networking and entertainment for your breaks.

6. Set a start time. Instead of thinking "I'll start when I'm ready," choose a concrete time. Set an ending time as well, but prepare to add on extra hours if you need to finish a section.

7. Stay in contact with team members and clients. Communicate any milestones you've reached on the project. Let them know if you need more time.

Tips & Warnings

• Be generous with your time limits. If you expect a section will take an hour to finish, give yourself an hour and a half. This extra time will give you room for unexpected delays.

References

• Freelance Switch; 14 Essential Tips for Meeting a Deadline; Leo Babauta