You’ve missed a deadline. What can you do to get back on track?

It is absolutely essential to deal with the problem before it grows up. Destroy the resistance, as Steven Pressfield calls it, while it's small. Start by being proactive and communicating. The fear we have often disappears the moment we take action.

When you find yourself off track due to a missed deadline, it's time to take charge and turn things around. Own up to the situation and accept responsibility, but don't dwell on it. Instead, focus on solutions and take immediate action. Communicate transparently with all involved parties, updating them on the situation and proposing a new plan. Break down the tasks ahead into smaller, manageable steps, and prioritize them wisely. Rally your resources and seek support where necessary. Maintain unwavering focus and determination as you work diligently towards meeting the revised deadline. Remember, setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning. Use this experience to refine your approach and emerge stronger than before

Missing a deadline is like dropping the ball. Don't fumble around trying to catch it (make excuses)! Be upfront and take ownership. Talk to your manager and explain what happened. Bonus "Ado" Tip: Don't just say "sorry"! Offer solutions. Let your manager know what you're doing to fix things (revised timeline) and prevent future fumbles (like better time management strategies). This shows you're taking responsibility and learning from your mistake.

Take immediate responsibility for missing the deadline by admitting the mistake without making excuses. Promptly communicate with relevant stakeholders, such as managers or clients, express genuine regret, and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

It's fair to the other party to say that I didn't meet the deadline. And you can address it by coming up with your own proposal for a solution and a new deadline. Ideally after you've agreed it together. This time, try to do your best to meet the deadline - put it on your to-do list, calendar, post-it. It's also a good idea to set yourself a deadline before the official one (the one you promised the other person).

Engage in transparent and proactive communication to negotiate a realistic extension for the task. Clearly outline what additional resources or support you may require to meet the new deadline, and be open to compromise to find a solution that works for all parties involved.

It's good to have a regular meeting with myself where I ask myself questions - for example, why am I not keeping up, what have I missed, what's to blame for missing a deadline, what can I do about it? You can have a checklist for these questions. It helps to push myself on many issues.

Reflect on the reasons behind missing the initial deadline, identifying factors such as poor planning, lack of communication, or unforeseen challenges. Use this analysis as a learning opportunity to implement strategies for improvement and prevent similar issues in the future.

People often can't keep up if they don't keep track of their work. So it's nice to have tasks and deadlines in a system you trust. And to have that system built in to remind you of deadlines or to pop up at the right time.

Develop a detailed plan outlining specific tasks, deadlines, and milestones necessary to complete the work by the new deadline. Prioritize tasks effectively, track progress regularly, and communicate any obstacles or delays promptly to stakeholders while seeking support as needed.

In the case of concentration, it is important to master three directions - external, internal and intention. External distractions are digital technology, colleagues or outside traffic. Internal ones are your head, lack of energy or unmanaged emotions. Intention is what you want. Your plan, expectations or clarification of priorities. All three directions help to reduce friction, speed up your work and enjoy it a little more at the same time.

Create a conducive work environment conducive to focus by minimizing noise, interruptions, and digital distractions. Set clear boundaries with colleagues and family members, manage time effectively, and take breaks to maintain productivity and mental clarity.

Prioritize delivering high-quality work by thoroughly reviewing and revising the completed tasks. Seek feedback from trusted sources, address any identified errors or inconsistencies, and submit the work confidently and gratefully, acknowledging the patience and understanding of stakeholders.