We all know the feeling of a looming deadline–especially if we’ve been procrastinating. The built up stress, unexpected turns for the worst, and life outside of work can sometimes tempt us to push our deadlines, sometimes right up to their due date. Keep reading for 4 reasons you shouldn’t wait until a deadline.
1.Reduce the amount of stress
When it comes to deadlines, the first emotion that comes to mind is likely stress or anxiety. Depending on the scope of the project at hand, it can take up a lot of your mental space. If you’re constantly worried about the project, and hesitant to take action, you’ll use that time and energy worrying rather than accomplishing. The longer you wait, the more daunting the task can feel. Even moreso, if the procrastination continues for too long, the worry and stress can create an overwhelming sense of guilt.
To deal with stress around deadlines, get a jump start on planning out your work. For projects with many pieces to them, break out the project into more manageable pieces– and remember to fully finish one piece before moving onto the next one.
It’s so easy to become distracted. Try to find a quiet place to work uninterrupted, like a Gather coworking and office space in downtown RVA or 757.
2. The ability to deal with the unexpected
Incidentals and unexpected challenges happen. Be sure to leave room for these–whether it’s a small traffic jam or something more urgent, life has its way of throwing curveballs that can disrupt and delay your plans.
Getting ahead on projects gives you enough time to account for unexpected obstacles and uncertainty. It also allows for you to spend more time in your personal life.
3. More time to spend with others
Time management can make a huge difference. Your ability to prioritize and effectively manage your time will allow you to spend more time with others. And don’t forget your hobbies and interests–those are just as important to make time for!
You can be smart with your time by evaluating your daily priorities, completing one thing before starting another, actively blocking out distractions, and taking breaks when needed to refresh. If you use your time wisely, you’ll find you get more done in less time!
4. Increase in motivation
Ever dropped the ball or pushed something to the very last minute? It never feels good and will often kill your motivation. When you wait until the deadline, you miss out on the valuable opportunity to dedicate more time to your work. On the other hand, when you give yourself the adequate time to complete your work, you get it done on time and with an increased sense of accomplishment.
Ready to get your schedule on track?
At Gather, our coworking and office spaces in Hampton Roads, VA and Richmond, VA can help you get organized and on track with your work. Whether you need a coworking space, a dedicated desk, or an office space of your own–we have a membership for you! Ready to get started with your ideal workspace? Book your tour with us today!