Navigating Deadlines: Finding Balance Between Motivation and Stress
Written on
Chapter 1 Understanding the Dual Nature of Deadlines
Deadlines can serve as a source of motivation or, conversely, create feelings of stress. The impact they have often hinges on my emotional state at the time.
When I'm feeling good—well-rested, relaxed, and generally energized—having a deadline or challenge can be an exciting prospect. It provides a sense of purpose, allowing me to channel my spare time into something productive. For instance, in my "40 days until 40" challenge, I set out to write a life lesson every day leading up to my birthday. This goal was motivating and gave me something to look forward to.
However, the situation shifts dramatically when I'm fatigued, anxious, or overwhelmed. During such times, any deadline can trigger a rebellious response within me, reminiscent of a petulant child. If a challenge involves abstaining from certain pleasures, such as sugar or animal products, my inner child feels deprived once again, leading to frustration and irritability. This creates an unpleasant atmosphere for both myself and those around me.
The real complexity arises when I'm in a neutral state—neither entirely energized nor completely drained. Setting goals can aid in productivity, providing structure and a timeframe to work within. For example, the "40 days until 40" challenge was a straightforward yet engaging commitment. Each article varied in length depending on the lesson and my available time, and I could easily draft multiple pieces in a single day.
As I reflect four months post-birthday, I find myself writing the ninth article. It's clear that I didn't meet the original deadline. However, I reassured myself that a slight delay was acceptable, especially given my busy life and celebrations.
Yet now, I worry that the time elapsed might have dulled my enthusiasm for this project. The urgency that once fueled my progress has faded, and I feel a sense of indifference creeping in. Despite this, I'm determined to finish what I started. Recent changes in my work schedule have granted me additional days to devote to writing, so I've decided to tackle the remaining articles now.
I recognize that my productivity is highly influenced by my mental state. Understanding this has allowed me to be more compassionate towards myself when I lack the energy to engage in creative tasks. I also know that during certain periods, I can push through discomfort to complete urgent tasks, even if they are self-imposed.
For longer projects—like writing 40 articles in 40 days—it's crucial for me to prioritize writing during the mornings when my energy levels are at their peak. Eating well in the days leading up to these tasks also plays a significant role in how I feel. Realistically assessing what I can achieve in a given timeframe is essential. Although I could have completed all the articles within my original timeline, they would likely lack depth and insight.
When I'm in good health, I can harness my productivity and creativity more effectively, enabling me to push myself to meet deadlines. Conversely, during periods of poor health or fatigue, I must acknowledge my limits. While mundane tasks can be accomplished with minimal effort, creative endeavors require mindfulness and a deliberate approach to my emotional state and timing. Setting arbitrary goals when I'm not at my best often backfires, leading to resistance.
Ultimately, the narratives I construct about my experiences are also worth examining. Reframing my thoughts can serve as a powerful strategy, but this realization only recently surfaced as I reflected on my writing journey. Perhaps this will inspire a future article.