“Frankly Marguerite, deadlines give me clarity and focus. I actually love working under pressure.”
Every now and then, I meet a kindred spirit – one, who like me, is energized and thrives on deadlines. Michael, a high-performing C-Suite coaching client, is one such.
His comment reminded me of something I missed during COVID – deadlines. Prior to the pandemic, I always had the deadline of travel, large client projects, and juggling numerous clients that drove this “procrastination queen” to get things done. I remember pausing for a moment as I was preparing for my first vacation after COVID and noticed how energized and productive I had been in the previous days. I was happy, I was getting things done, and things were flowing with ease towards my deadline. I was not feeling “dead” but very much alive
So where did this idea of a deadline come from?
The word has an interesting and somewhat grim origin. It dates back to the American Civil War. It originally referred to a line drawn around a prison, beyond which prisoners were at risk of being shot. This “dead line” marked a boundary that, if crossed, could result in death. Over time, the term evolved to signify a point in time by which something must be completed – a line that must not be crossed lest there be dire consequences. Whilst the consequences today are rarely death, the word still carries the emotion and stress of its original meaning.
Deadlines serve a purpose:
Despite its morbid origins, deadlines serve several vital functions:
- Clarity and Focus: Deadlines provide a specific target to aim for, helping us get clear on our priority tasks and allocate resources accordingly. They can transform a long rambling to-do list into a series of critical and most important actionable steps.
- Motivation and Productivity: The pressure of an impending deadline can spur individuals and teams into action, often leading to bursts of productivity and creativity.
- Accountability: Deadlines create a sense of accountability, ensuring that tasks are completed and goals are met. They help in maintaining momentum and preventing procrastination.
- Time Management: Deadlines assist in honing time management skills, as they require planning and scheduling to meet targets efficiently.
Deadlines can also have drawbacks:
- Stress and Burnout: The pressure to meet deadlines can lead to significant stress and, if not managed well, burnout. This is particularly true for unrealistic or poorly planned deadlines.
- Compromised Quality: In the rush to meet a deadline, the quality of work can sometimes suffer. Speed may take precedence over thoroughness, leading to mistakes or subpar results.
- Negative Perception: The very term “deadline” can invoke fear and anxiety, creating a negative mindset towards the task at hand.
Reframing our relationship with deadlines:
What if we could reframe our relationship with deadlines, turning them into something positive and empowering? I now think of my deadlines as “joylines” and it makes a big difference in how I approach my tasks. Here’s what I have found:
- Positive Mindset: By renaming deadlines to “joylines,” I shift my perspective. Instead of viewing the timeline as a source of stress, I see it as an opportunity to enjoy the process.
- Celebration of Progress: Joylines encourage me to celebrate the journey towards completion. I view each step taken as a victory, crossing it off my to-do list with a joyful flourish.
- Balanced Approach: Embracing “joylines” promotes a balanced approach to my work. It acknowledges the need for urgency but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining joy and well-being throughout the process.
- Enhanced Creativity: A joyful mindset enhances creativity and innovation. When I’m not bogged down by stress, I’m much more likely to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions. Which of course means, more celebration!
What’s your relationship with “deadlines”? Would reframing to “joylines” make a difference? Try it and see!
