Set Your Mind

• This may seem obvious, but you must set your face like flint and be absolutely determined to meet any work deadline. Life throws a million distractions at you every day; your emotions can throw you a hundred different mood swings during any 24-hour period...but you can't allow that to throw you off track. Before you begin any new project, have a little powwow with yourself and settle in your heart that meeting your deadline is your number one priority. Then, when temptations arise to take you away from the task at hand, you'll have less of a struggle staying focused and saying no to time wasters.
  
  

Chunk Your Tasks

• Chunking is the process by which a large project is broken down into smaller, more manageable goals. Set multiple mini-deadlines to meet during your project. Each of these should include an explicitly outlined set of tasks, so you can accurately measure your progress and make sure there are no loose ends or last-minute surprises as your final deadline date approaches.
  
  

Cushion Your Deadlines

• If you expect a certain project to take you five days, give yourself a seven-day deadline. This way, you're covered if any problems arise that are beyond your control. For example, if you've delegated tasks to others and they're a day late on their personal deadlines, a two- day cushion ensures you'll still be able to meet your ultimate project deadline. In addition, a deadline cushion provides an incentive to stay on task. If you finish your project on time, you'll be left with extra time to spend on leisure activities or other work.
  
  

Make Sacrifices and Implement Rewards

• To meet deadlines consistently, you need to strengthen your ability to say no to lesser priorities. Sit down at the beginning of each mini-deadline and write down three things you're willing to sacrifice to get your work done on time. These sacrifices can include things like no Internet surfing, skip lunch if falling behind or work late two nights a week. In addition, promise yourself rewards if you make your deadline, such as girls' night out, movie and candy at home, or a special date with your spouse.