Embracing New Perspectives on Deadlines

Why this topic?

The reason why I am talking about this topic is a book called “how to not die alone” by Logan Ury she wrote:

Researchers have studied the effects of the well-timed deadline — short while still doable. Behavioral scientists Suzanne Shu and Ayelet Gneezy looked at how often people redeemed gift certificates to a bakery. When the certificate was good for two months, fewer than 10 percent of people redeemed it for a pastry. (The rest were too flaky!) But when the certificate was good for only three weeks, suddenly, more than 30 percent of people redeemed the coupon. In the first scenario, people held off on taking the action because they figured they could do it later. With the shorter deadline, people were more aware that they could miss the window, so they took more immediate action.

For whom is this topic intended?

It is for procrastinators and hesitators but if you are interested in the subject like me its okay this topic is for you.

What are deadlines?

They can be defined as “The latest time or date by which something should be completed.” Consequently, working with a deadline creates a time-bound action, and as I like to say, “Within the time window lies the potential for greatness; beyond it, the work may lose its luster.”

As I reflect on “Deadlines,” I can’t help but share my unique perspective and the way my mind processes this topic, delving into its intricacies and extending its significance through the lens of my own thinking.

Deadlines Categories

• Real \ Fake deadlines
• Long \ Short deadlines

Explaining

Real deadlines

• These are deadlines over which you have no control — whether they be assignment deadlines or your company’s project timelines.

Fake Deadlines

• These are the opposite — deadlines you control, and you’re the one setting them to accomplish tasks that will greatly benefit your future self. In reality, they are the most challenging type of deadlines.

Long Deadlines

• It implies having an extensive time window, one that stretches over a significant period. Let’s say this long-time deadline pertains to your math assignment, comprising 25 problems, and you have a whole two weeks to complete it. Due to the perception that it’s too easy and requires only an hour to finish, you might become more inclined to procrastinate or postpone it until the very last moment.
• Thus, it becomes apparent that the most challenging kind of deadlines are the Long Real or Fake deadlines — ones with substantial time allowances that may tempt us to delay or neglect the work until the end.

Short Deadlines

• These deadlines fall into one of two categories: either they provide a suitable amount of time for the task at hand, or they demand an overwhelming amount of work within a limited time window.

How to deal with life deadlines

Begin with:

• Use a calendar (e.g: google calendar) or a productivity app for tracking your deadlines. Consider tools like Notion and Evernote for this purpose.
• Determine the nature of your deadline based on the previous explanation.

Long Deadlines:

Long Real Deadlines

• Transform them into Short Fake Deadlines to maintain focus and motivation. For example, if a math assignment takes only one hour, set a realistic deadline of one or two days to achieve a sense of accomplishment.

Long Fake Deadlines

• Beware of setting unrealistic expectations as the controller, which may lead to procrastination.

Short Real Deadlines

• If given insufficient time to complete a task that requires multiple days, manage stress and panic levels by staying calm and breaking the work into manageable blocks.
• Break the work into smaller segments, each with a realistic time span. Be flexible and avoid sacrificing sleep to tackle the workload effectively.
• Short Real Deadlines (when manageable): If the deadline comfortably fits the task, proceed with finishing the work without additional worries.

Short Fake Deadlines

• Be a smart planner by setting realistic tasks and time spans for your goals. This approach maximizes productivity and sets you up for success.

Daily Deadlines

• I encourage you to manage your daily schedule with small deadlines. This mindset might seem peculiar, but it is surprisingly effective. Close your eyes and envision yourself as a business person who sets deadlines for various activities like breakfast, sleep, work, breaks, and more. Embrace this approach to bring structure and productivity to your daily routine.

Remember

“Within the time window lies the potential for greatness; beyond it, the work may lose its luster.”