Try out the ‘Missing Deadlines’ Theme in the Thinkladder app here:
For those of us who regularly miss deadlines, there can be a lot of things going on behind the scenes. We may tend to procrastinate, get distracted, become paralysed by perfectionism, or struggle to ask for the help we need to get things done. Whatever the reason, missing deadlines can have serious repercussions. It can impact our work, our relationships, and ultimately, our well-being.
To address this issue, a great place to start is by discovering what limiting beliefs are contributing. An example of these could be, ‘Doing this later will be easier and less stressful than doing it now’, or, ‘If I put off doing my work, then I don’t have to face the possibility of not getting it perfect’. We can start to understand the beliefs and emotions underlying the behaviours that cause us to miss deadlines all the time. We can then start to develop beliefs that support us in doing what needs to be done.
If missing deadlines is creating issues in your life, then take some time to scroll through the ‘Missing Deadlines’ in the Thinkladder app today.
Insights from the ‘Missing Deadlines’ Theme
It’s okay to feel like ’I can’t do it,’ while still taking steps to do it.
Practical tips to combat missing deadlines:
Set realistic goals: Consider the complexity of the task. Allow some extra time for unexpected challenges to set achievable deadlines. Reducing stress and pressure can also help you perform at your best and be more productive.
Baby steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable blocks. This allows you to focus on one aspect at a time, streamlining your efficiency. It can also make big projects feel less overwhelming.
Prioritise, prioritise, prioritise: Tackle high-priority tasks first and allocate your time accordingly. This ensures that crucial deadlines are met before focusing on less critical activities.
Consider adjusting your routine: A structured (and consistent!) daily routine enhances focus and minimises distractions, making it easier to meet deadlines. Make sure to include dedicated time for rest, meals, self-care and take regular breaks.
Use reminders: Productivity tools and reminders are great for organisation. Calendar apps, to-do lists, and alarms can help you track deadlines and manage your time more effectively. You may even find greater clarity and focus when you free up some valuable mental energy.
Find an accountability partner: Is there someone you trust who can hold you accountable? This could be a colleague, friend, or mentor. Knowing that someone else is aware of your deadlines can provide added motivation to meet them.
Regularly refine your process: Take time to reflect. Think about your current time management and deadline-meeting strategies. Assess what is working and what isn’t, and be willing to adjust your approach. Continuous improvement is key to developing habits that support meeting deadlines.
Find the root cause: Missing deadlines can be a result of deeper things going on within. It can come from over-commitment, poor time management, procrastination and/or perfectionism (to name a few!). Thinkladder’s Missing Deadlines theme can help you explore your underlying beliefs, and discover a more empowering approach to help you meet your goals.
Related topics: People Pleasing, Self-Worth, Anxiety & Comparing Myself To Others.