Stop Missing Deadlines

Habitual behaviors.? They can be either beneficial or detrimental.??

While we often use the term “bad habits”, there is such a thing as good habits.? In fact, I would go so far as to say that you likely have as many if not more good habits than bad.

We just tend to see “what’s wrong” with us rather than the good things that we do.

For example, your morning routine.? It sets you up for your day and ensures that you don’t forget anything that helps you dive into your work, ready to go.? Or doing things around the house, such as washing and cleaning up after dinner.? These are routine tasks that you simply do without thinking much about.? Tasks that if they are not done would lower your quality of life.? In other words, they are your good habits.

Bad habits, though annoying, can be changed.? We often let them hold us hostage but we shouldn’t.? Instead we should look at them as an opportunity for growth.? We’ve already had a huge accomplishment by simply recognizing what needs to change.? That alone is most of the battle.? Once you’ve identified the problem then you can work on the solution.

One very bad habit, and a very unprofessional one that we may struggle with, is missing deadlines.??

I don’t think much needs to be said about why this is so important.? For one thing, it’s pretty obvious that as a professional you’ve agreed to complete your project in an allotted time frame.? And failing to do so hurts your integrity.? If you can’t be counted on to deliver, then why would anyone hire you?

It’s time that we address this major issue, and change this bad habit into a good one.? And not just into a good habit, but into a foundational building block of your personal success story.

By meeting every deadline, you will build a sense of pride and accomplishment in your work.? This will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.??

I remember when a friend of mine needed to get some work done on his home.? He hired a contractor and also had to make arrangements for his family as the work was being completed.? The project was scheduled to begin on a certain date. The day before, he received a call to reschedule because all of the supplies hadn’t arrived.

Obviously he wasn’t happy, but he gave them the benefit of the doubt, thinking that something must have happened beyond their control.? So he rescheduled with them, and chose a date that gave them plenty of time to rectify the supply issue.

He then went about breaking the news to his family.? And make special arrangements for them during the new dates of the project.

Then once again, a few days before the work was to begin, he received another call for yet another reschedule.

I don’t need to tell you how upset he was.

This serves as an illustration for just how much of an issue missing a deadline can be.? Depending on the project, you could be affecting much more than just inconveniencing your client.? While that should be enough really, there is almost always a domino effect that follows.

You can see how deeply unprofessional it makes us out to be.

This is exactly why it is so critical that we take our deadlines seriously.

In business, our integrity and reputation are everything.? Refuse to acknowledge this and you are only hurting yourself.

There may be a lot of factors involved that contribute to our struggle with deadlines.? However, there is one major focal point that we must grasp with both hands and never let go.??

And that is our commitment.? We must commit, truly commit to doing whatever is necessary to meet every deadline.? We must commit to examining the issue and taking solid, thought out steps that will solve our dilemma.? And we must commit to following through.

Once we have made the commitment and have prioritized this in our lives, then we are in the position to take the steps needed to push forward.??

While there are many factors and actions that we can take, I am just going to touch on a few of them for the sake of time.? But if we use these as a starting point, we will be well on our way to having a long list of happy clients.

Plan Accordingly

It all starts at the beginning.? When you are discussing the project for the first time, this is when you want to get as much information as possible.? Not only for the sake of understanding what is expected of you, but also so that you can accurately develop a timetable of completion.??

And whatever timetable you come up with, make it longer.? I once read a suggestion of adding 25% to the time that you think it will take to complete the project.? Not a bad idea.? It is always a good idea to underpromise and overdeliver when possible.

Of course this has to be balanced out with the needs of the client.??

But the point is that we have a tendency, no matter how long you’ve been doing this, to underestimate how long a project will take.? If at all possible, it is a good idea to run the project by a neutral party.? Maybe a friend over lunch or dinner.? They can be very helpful to you in bringing a more realistic outside perspective to the situation.??

And of course there are those situations where the client has a deadline that they need met and there’s really no flexibility.? In these instances we have to avoid the temptation of just giving in and committing, telling ourselves that we’ll just find a way to get it done.? Instead, we need to be honest and upfront with the client, explaining why this may not be possible, or at least making them aware that you won’t be able to promise that the deadline will be met.

Honesty and transparency go a long way in any relationship, including business.? Working with them is always better than working against them.? And that is exactly what you’re doing when you fail to speak up and just decide that you will “grind it out” and somehow find a way.? Because all of us know that there are unplanned delays that will pop up to derail your timetable.

In any event, planning effectively is paramount.? It all starts here.

Communicate Honestly

As mentioned already, honest, open communication with our clients is absolutely necessary.? Communicate at every stage, from the start of the planning phase, to regular updates during the project.? And of course if there is ever any doubt that the deadline may not be met.

I’ve heard of so many people failing to communicate to their clients out of fear, too afraid to tell them that they wouldn’t be able to make the deadline.? While this is understandable, it is also unacceptable.? The clients need to know as soon as possible if there are ever any issues.

But back to the goal of meeting the deadlines.? Communicating issues when they come up may actually help you.? The client may be familiar with the issue if it is a common one, and they may have forgotten to mention this to you during the planning phase.? Or they may be able to make an adjustment on their end that actually helps you.? Or they may have a suggestion that you haven’t thought of.

As I said before, open, honest communication will not only make your clients happy to work with you, but it is the way of the true professional.? Nothing says “I’ve got it together” than not hesitating to say at the beginning “I’m not sure if this timetable is possible”.? Being open, transparent and sincere is infinitely more helpful, to you and to them, than hiding things by refusing to say anything.

Start Early!? As In Right Away!

This is a big one.? Procrastination is what gets so many, amateurs and pros alike.? Just because you’ve “been around the block” doesn’t mean that you can put off starting a project.? You may be able to complete it faster now, but that should mean that you will get it done sooner, not so that you can put it off longer.

Just about everyone is tempted to put projects off.? There’s something within us that just doesn’t want to get started right away.??

But failing to do so sets us up for failing to make the deadline, or deadlines.? Something may come up.? You may have to rush someone to urgent care, or go yourself.? You may find you underestimate how long part of the project may take.? Just about anything can happen that will prove that you had less of the allotted time to work on this than you thought.

You have to commit to starting every project immediately.? Or at least as soon as possible.? If it’s the end of the day, then begin first thing in the morning.??

Whatever you have to do, start it right away!

Meeting the deadlines on all of your projects isn’t just necessary, it’s completely doable!? With clear planning that plans ahead for unseen obstacles, and a commitment to get started right away you will be on your way to cementing yourself as the go-to professional.

For further discussion, or if you still find yourself struggling, feel free to contact me.? I will be happy to help!

Or if you are reading this and you have been dealing with copywriters who continually let you down, reach out to me right away.? I will work with you on your project in such a way that it not only will be to your satisfaction, but it will also be on schedule.

Let’s get busy!

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Greg Duncan is a freelance Education Technology (EdTech) copywriter who helps EdTech companies to grow their influence by reaching more students and institutions through compelling content and creative marketing.

You can reach Greg at [email protected] or on LinkedIn at https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/gregory-duncan-b330b341/?