Monday, December 5, 2011

Self-imposed deadlines . . . .

Last evening I was going over my to-do list for the week and it was a little daunting. Doable, but daunting. Believe it or not, for me, the best part about having a list like this is having a deadline. I love and need deadlines, or I procrastinate. There is no doubt that I am the type of person who will put off today what I know can be done tomorrow. If it can wait, it waits. However, give me a deadline and I'm on it. . . . with pleasure, actually. I am at my best under pressure. So just tell me when you need it, and you got it. It is shocking to me how much can be completed when you think it needs to be "turned in."  But give me all day to do an assignment that can wait, and it'll take me 3 days to do it. So it's good for me to set self-imposed deadlines
  • Bed needs to be made by 8:00.
  • Dishwasher emptied by 8:20.
  • Daily workout must be done by 9:45.
  • Dry cleaning picked up by 11:20.
  • All mail opened, and either shredded or organized by 12:15.
  • Bills paid and office organized by 1:30.
  • Online Christmas orders placed by 2:15.
  • Laundry is due at 3:00.
  • That shirt......ironed by 3:45.

Actually, I know that sounds weird, and realistically I don't spend every moment watching the clock, but I think you get my point. I love the pleasure of completed tasks. Leaving things undone is a stressor for me, so in order to put things behind me, I need the pressure of a deadline. And.... did I tell you? I also self-impose rewards! Get 'er done Con., and you get to soak in a hot bubble bath, or pour yourself a glass of wine, or even better.......both! 

"The ultimate inspiration is the deadline."
-Nolan Bushnell


There is nothing like reaching the end of the day and enjoying that feeling of completed tasks. It's amazing how much better that hot bath feels when you can not only let your body relax, but your mind as well. 

Happy Monday!
 I hope you have a productive week!

2 comments:

  1. This resonates with me so much! I'm currently balancing grad school, teaching, 2 freelance jobs, and a relationship. Deadlines and writing it all down--that's where it's at.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen Hilary! You are one busy girl! What an exciting time for you though!!! Wishing you all the best! : )

    ReplyDelete

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