How to Set Deadlines for Yourself

Whether at home or on the job, setting deadlines for yourself is very important. It's simple to do if you treat self-imposed deadlines as you would a deadline from a boss. Read on to learn how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Set Deadlines for Yourself

1. Make a list of the all the tasks you need to complete. Best Practice: Do this on the computer so you can make revisions and move items around.

2. Number or reorder the list so that the most important task is number one.

3. Look at each task individually and think think realistically how long it will take you to complete. If you need to, break tasks down into each individual component. When thinking about a time line, do not just think about the task, but about what's going on in your life. Do not assign a time line based on the task alone but keep in mind your other responsibilities.

4. For each task, set mini deadlines. If a goal has 5 steps, assign reasonable dates to each step. Allow time any external forces that may have a hand in the final deadline for the project or task.

Tips & Warnings

• Boost your confidence in making deadlines! For the first couple deadlines, pick a goal, task or project from you list that can be completed rather quickly. This way you can judge your work speed and see if other deadlines need to be moved up or moved back.
• Keep the master list on the computer and hard copy. Keep it with you so you don't over commit yourself to other tasks. Slowly add more goals as old ones are completed.

[Berlyn]

on 3/5/2008 Wonderful article! I've been working on deadline setting lately and this article was just what I needed. Good information and very easy to follow!