How To Set Deadlines For Yourself

Image of a clock on a brick wall by Kaboompics and the phrase, 4 Reasons Why You Should Create Deadlines Do your work and personal projects seem to drag on and on?

Are you looking to get things done in a reasonable amount of time?

In this post, I offer several reasons as to why you should create deadlines for yourself on a regular basis.

You'll focus your energy on what's important.

We're bombarded with thousands of distractions, facts, and information, each and every day.

While some of this is important, the rest is just fluff.

When you're on deadline, you don't have the time to deal with all those trivial matters.

You must instead focus your energy and attention to the task at hand.

You can't afford to spend hours on Pinterest, chatting at the water cooler with your coworkers, or watching reruns on TV.

Now, this isn't to say that these actions aren't important; we all need a break now and then!

At this point in time, however, the deadline takes precedence.

You must focus your mind on completing the deadline.

You can do this by eliminating distractions such as switching off all electronic devices, or shutting your office door, and taking more drastic measures such as rescheduling meetings and appointments.

You'll actually get things done.

Remember that small sewing project you said you'd finish this year? Or how about resanding the dining room table, or sorting through and archiving those office files?

When you set, and work towards a deadline, a wonderful thing happens: things get done. It's as simple as that.

Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency, and gives you a specific point in time by which you need to complete your work. There's no room for "getting around to working" on a task, you must sit down, and finish your work.

Just imagine what it will feel like to finally cross off that sewing project from your to-do list, tell your partner that the dining room table is ready, or inform your boss that the office files have been archived.

What task do you want to complete? Set a deadline, and start working.

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You'll grow as a person.

If you've been longing for a challenge, want to work on your personal character, or create a self-improvement project for yourself, then setting a deadline may be right up your alley.

Let's face it, setting and reaching a deadline isn't easy. Not only do you have to deal with external factors, but you also have to overcome a lot of internal challenges, which include fears, concerns, worries, and the like.

By setting a deadline, you push yourself to grow, learn, think, and be uncomfortable. Working towards a deadline will help you rise to the occasion.

You are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for.

Why not set a deadline and see how far you can grow?

You'll hone your time management skills.

Sometimes the best way to learn something is to just do it. Feeling shaky when it comes to managing your time?

Try creating a small deadline for yourself. It could be as simple as writing an email to a friend by a certain date.

In order to meet your deadline, you'll have to make some decisions as to how you are spending your minutes and hours.

The key here is to keep practicing. Set deadlines and strive for them. Over time, and with practice, you'll start to see patterns in how you work.

If you're not reaching your deadlines, this is an indication that you need to take a closer look at your time management skills.

For example, do you let distractions get the better of you? Do you wait until the last minute to begin work? Did you not give yourself enough time to complete your work?

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How about you? Do you create deadlines for yourself at home or work? Can you think of any other reasons to create deadlines for yourself? Join the conversation and leave a comment below!