Dear readers,

Most of our life is dictated by deadlines, from our youngest years and down to our professional lives. Looking back at it, we have already been trained as young as a preschooler to meet deadlines, no matter how small the task was such as bringing coloured paper for a school activity the next day and handing in your colouring book the following day. 

Deadlines might be the most dreadful thing that we could ever encounter in our lives, whether you’re a student or an already fully established adult. No matter how much we dislike it to the point of pulling out our hair when the remaining time to get things done gets shorter and shorter, we cannot deny that setting time targets gives our life order. It gives direction. It sets expectations.

Whether we like it or not, deadlines are pretty aight:

1. It keeps complex, multistage projects on track. 

Starting a big project without a set deadline is setting yourself up for disappointment. The absence of an end goal would confuse you and make you unable to know where to even begin. This is why timelines that break down big tasks into smaller sub-projects are important. Rushing and doing everything at the very last minute is also avoided in the process. Sub-tasks give you control of the task at hand, and frees you from confusion. 

2. It promotes action in a timely manner, and subsequently reduces the tendency to procrastinate.

Ah, procrastination, a deadline’s sworn enemy. When we procrastinate, a straightforward task turns into a maze on how you can escape distraction without wasting so much of your time. A deadline sets goals, and concrete goals set expectations. This decides a specific time frame so “I’ll do this later.” becomes “I’ll finish this by tomorrow.” (I hope you do finish it by tomorrow.)

3. It creates and increases urgency.

Feeling pressured isn’t exactly the best feeling in the world, but it sure drives us into accomplishing a goal. Knowing that you got a deadline coming up will motivate you to finish your task.

Also, meeting deadlines makes you responsible, reliable, and disciplined, which are very admirable qualities. It also improves every aspect of time management. So, do not be ashamed to say that deadlines are what inspires you to start on a task. If anything, that’s quite the whole point, if we put career or passion aside. 

Because at least there’s an end goal, no matter how you look at it. The time it took for you to meet a deadline may be stressful and gruesome, but when the time comes when you’re already handing in that work you have done with every drop of your blood, sweat, and tears, that would be the most rewarding feeling ever.

It’s all worth it, no matter how deadly (no pun intended) the process may be. Figuratively, of course. (Please don't d-word while doing your job.)

If the deadline is too tight, or if the work related to it has become too much for your mental and physical health, do not be afraid to take breaks, ask for help, or let your supervisor know about it. 

Best regards,

Debeey

PS: The next time somebody asks you “What inspired you to do this project?” you can just say, “The deadline.” It’s totally fine, and totally honest. And honesty is the best policy. 

Comments:

Otty: deadlines are good but when they’re reasonable! If you let me finish a huge task that's due tomorrow, i’ll cause a riot and will steal your food

Pecky: yeah know i’ll be filing a complaint immediately smh

Leony: Very well put, Debeey! And Otty, please don’t steal food. 

Cheeky: deadly tasks lmao good one 

Lily: deadlines are good to keep chores done too!

Catchy: bookmarked this post, will read later. zzz