The Tribune

Deadlines are key for many workplaces as companies are subject to contractual obligations which require they be met. Deadlines are vital even though some employees may not take them seriously. While failing to meet, or not committing to, a deadline does not rise to the level of a life and death situation, it can still create unnecessary stress.

Research has found that 26 percent of employees identified themselves as chronic procrastinators, while another study found that workers who consistently procrastinated over projects were less likely to receive promotions. Indeed, this made them more likely to be fired.

Procrastination and Deadlines

It is important to understand the difference between these terms. Some procrastinators contend that they perform better under pressure, and while they may be able to convince themselves of that, research shows it is generally not the case. Instead, they may make a habit of last-minute work to experience the rush of euphoria at seemingly having overcome the odds.

Remember the time when you thought you had a week to finish a project that was really due the next day? One of the biggest factors contributing to procrastination when dealing with deadlines is the notion that we have to feel inspired to work on a task at a particular moment. The reality is that if you wait until you are in the right frame of mind to do certain tasks, the task may never be completed.

Procrastination is a voluntary act of postponing a task, even though it is evident that it needs to be done. And a deadline is an externally-imposed date by which something must be done. In other words, deadlines are often set by someone else, whereas procrastination is a decision that we make ourselves. Actually saying “I’ll do it tomorrow” or “It’s not a priority right now” are both examples of procrastination.

Sometimes, regardless of how well-organised and committed you are, chances are that you may find yourself frittering away hours on trivial pursuits - watching TV, updating your Facebook status or shopping online - when you really should have been spending that time on the project.

Make Deadlines clear and concise

So, how can employers help workers to respect deadlines and avoid procrastination? Ensure that the risk is explained by stating the consequences that may follow. This does not mean being overly critical or punitive; it is simply having a conversation about why the deadline is important.

Ambiguous instructions lead to confusion. For that reason, when setting a deadline, make sure you include all the relevant information needed to communicate clearly, concisely and consistently. Try not to include unnecessary information. Be clear and to the point, and stick to your deadline as much as possible, as this creates stability. Finally, use language that everyone understands by avoiding jargons or complicated terms.

Try not to assume that deadlines will necessarily be useful in every situation, especially since different people perceive and react to deadlines differently. To this end, assess the situation and ask yourself: What do I risk losing if I do not meet this deadline? Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, author and certified life coach