Five reasons why you’re always missing deadlines…

Always a step behind where you’re meant to be? Forgetting to submit things on the right day? Constantly asking for more time? If so, there may be a simple explanation (or five)…

1. You’ve bitten off more than you can chew. It’s good to be busy, but sometimes we take on too much and set ourselves up to fail right from the off. If you feel as though you’re always at the bottom of a mountain wondering how – and if – you’ll ever reach the top, it’s time to take stock. Set aside ten minutes to figure out what really needs to be done and what you could put on the backburner for now. Focusing on the most essential tasks will help you feel less overwhelmed and make you more productive.
2. You’re a procrastinator. If your favourite question is: “Why do that job today when it can be done tomorrow?” you’re likely to be missing deadlines left, right and centre. The thing is, jobs don’t just go away if you refuse to acknowledge them; they just build and build until the pressure gets too much. If this is you, stand up, put down that snack and give yourself a shake! Write a to-do list, numbering the tasks in priority order. Then start tackling them one by one. Give yourself a small treat every time you tick one off, and a big one once the whole list is complete.
3. You never write anything down. Your brain is the best computer in the world, and you use it to store mounds of important facts and figures… but for some reason it’s stopped reminding you about important events and dates. If this sounds familiar, go out and buy yourself a diary, wall planner or techy device that will record important deadlines in a way that suits you. Then leave your planner in a prominent place or set up electronic alarms that will warn you in advance of any significant dates.
4. You can’t say no. You’re so eager to help people out that you end up overlooking your own needs and obligations. It’s great to be kind, but sometimes it’s important to put boundaries in place to protect yourself from stress, loss and even abuse of your good nature. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person; in fact, people may respect you more for it. Start putting your own obligations first in the things that really matter, while keeping a soft heart toward those who truly need a hand.
5. You’re afraid of failure. If you don’t meet your deadlines, you can never really fail, can you? This kind of flawed thinking sounds silly when you think about it, but it’s a very common form of self-preservation. Perhaps you’d prefer people to think you are disorganised rather than not up to the task. If so, it’s time to stop tripping yourself up. You can do it! The only thing holding you back is your fear. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Then go for it!

“Father, please help me to overcome whatever it is that’s holding me back from meeting my deadlines and achieving my potential. Give me clarity and order my thoughts. Help me to set aside anything that is not of you, and that is distracting me from my core purpose. Enable me to focus on the things that are most important and to do them wholeheartedly. Reassure me that everything I do in your name is worthy, and that I cannot fail if I put my trust in you. All for your glory, Lord. Amen.”