Deadlines, while designed to be helpful, can often turn into stressors for many. They fundamentally contradict human nature by assuming that the future can be accurately predicted 100% of the time. Deadlines compel people to disregard future uncertainties and stubbornly adhere to pre-planned actions, irrespective of their effectiveness. As a deadline looms closer, it tends to induce a scarcity mindset, a state of narrow focus devoid of creativity, where individuals resort to familiar strategies. This frantic rush, akin to a sprint that depletes all energy reserves, often leads to achieving little or nothing. The deadline passes, the target remains unmet, a new plan is formulated, and the vicious cycle repeats.
This isn't an effective approach. Instead, I recommend avoiding the setting of deadlines where possible. If that isn't an option, hold on to the deadline but simplify your task list until the deadline becomes achievable.
You might wonder, if I pare down the original goal, does the deadline still retain its initial significance?
To answer this, let's reconsider what a deadline truly is. A deadline is a designated point in time when a goal is expected to be achieved. A goal is, in essence, an anticipated outcome. This means that a goal isn't a static, immovable target. Your task is to actualize the expected results, regardless of the specifics of the original plan. If you can manifest the desired outcomes, any part of your action plan becomes expendable.
In this light, a deadline in and of itself is meaningless. What truly matters is the achievement of the anticipated outcome within a given timeframe. But even this timeframe isn't always set in stone. It's important to recognize the inherent unpredictability of the future and the inevitable changes it brings. Don't delude yourself into believing in an immovable deadline.
At the heart of it all is your vision and the interim results or phases that guide you towards its realization. The flexibility of your approach forms the crux of these middle stages. If a target seems difficult to reach, consider changing your course.
Don't allow a deadline to dictate your actions or restrict your thinking. Viewing deadlines as unchangeable can blind you to more effective, high ROI methods of reaching your goal. Conversely, seeing deadlines as adaptable opens up a myriad of efficient routes to your target, rendering the deadline inconsequential.
Hence, my advice stands:
When possible, refrain from setting deadlines. When not, maintain the deadline but continually simplify your tasks.
