Well we’re ten days from the deadline and there will no doubt be some content to be added, but the most part we are down to the nitty-gritty. These posts are getting assembled into the workbook, the outline for the webinar is being built and the promotional materials are being generated. There is a lot of work to be done by the end of May and of course this is not the only thing I am doing. There are all sorts of things to be done.
As usual a large amount of work to be nailed down in a short period of time can seem a bit daunting. It is crucial that as you approach your deadline that you have a plan for completion. This should list all the items you an think of to complete, perhaps some sort of check list and a realistic idea of how much time these tasks will take. Now of course if you’re anything like the majority of creatives, you always, maybe even severely, underestimate the time these tasks will take. Here are a few things to help you get it done.
1. Remember eating the elephant. I’ve quoted this many times on my blog but it bears repeating. As the old adage goes, How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Don’t get frustrated in the massive amount of work you have to be done. Take small meaningful “bites” out of the project as often as you can until it’s done.
2. Remember it’s not all or nothing. We can sometimes get ourselves in a mindset that says we don’t have time. What we really mean is we don’t have massive blocked of time to do uninterrupted work. Consider this, every four 15 minute sessions is an hour. Mine those little productive moments out of your day and you will be surprised at how much you can produce. Don’t let the fact that you don’t have large blocks of time keep you from making the most of what you have.
3. Eliminate distractions. Have you ever wondered how many hours a week you spend checking media, email, playing games, etc. All those things are massive time suckers and simply reducing your involvement can make you much more productive.
4. Get up earlier. Some of the most productive hours of your life are the times when you are all alone and uninterrupted. Taking an hour a day before anyone is up is a great way to get a lot done. If you’re not a morning person, try taking an hour after everyone else turns in. (Though this is not optimal.) One thing before I leave this topic. Do not do both. You need to get your rest or your creativity will suffer.
5. Mark your calendar. Put as many of your remaining steps as you can on it and mark them off as you go. Make the deadline prominently and work toward it.
You can make your deadline. You can ship on time. You can get it done. You just have to be proactive. Start now and keep moving forward.
You’re well on your way to creating a better life.
AMOKArts 