the gift of a deadline

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.”
– Napoleon Hill

I’ve been working on some projects lately that are totally and completely my creation and therefore solely my responsibility. Meaning, I’m in charge of the deadline. Deadlines motivate. Deadlines push me into structuring my workload. Deadlines help me say “no” to the friend with an extra movie ticket.

Choose the deadline. Then commit to the deadline. And even when you’re up against the clock cursing yourself for being your own strict parent, damn it feels good when you reach that deadline day with that amazing finished something.

I find it helpful to tell one or two carefully chosen people about the deadline, not because I need anyone nagging me but because I need a witness. Saying something aloud is powerful. “I will do ________ by _______.”

Do you have tips for keeping a self-appointed deadline?