Writing on a deadline can cause anxiety. It can create procrastination. Overthinking. But there are a few key steps one can take to mitigate the negative effects of deadline distress.
- Determine clarity.
Try reducing the idea or goal into a single sentence or two. This precision will enable any research or interviews you need to complete your writing to become that much more exact.
- Consider what sorts of environments assist your productivity.
Is the buzz of a local coffee shop preferred? Or the quiet of early office hours? Is there better concentration with music in the background? Or does the silent space of a library help? Does the after-lunch lull lend the energy needed, or does writing after a brisk walk outside do the trick?
Take stock of how you do your best writing then take what is discovered and put it to work for you. Mapping out the when, where, and how for your writing project will get you the best results possible and set you up to meet your deadline.
- Give yourself a deadline before the deadline.
Much like setting an alarm in the morning, giving yourself a pre-deadline will ensure you get the first draft done in time for proofreading and revisions. Following this structure will keep you on track. Not only will this help you review in time, it will enable any relevant parties to give their feedback before the final edit.
- Before you agree to or accept writing assignments, consider if the timeline is realistic.
Accepting a deadline that you know you’ll not be able to meet isn’t doing your future writing any favors. Giving yourself the gift of pragmatism in your work won’t limit creativity or stifle opportunity. Rather, it will help protect everyone involved and provide the space needed for both creativity and opportunity to flourish.
Whether you’re struggling to meet a deadline or need an extra boost to your business or technical writing project we think these tips will simplify the task and help you reach your goal. If you’d like to consider other helpful tips on working with deadlines, consider reading this short “Writer’s Guide to Working with Deadlines” shared by NY Book Editors or enjoy this quick read, “How to Improve Your Business Writing” by Harvard Business Review.
Deadlines can cause anxiety, but working with (rather than against) them by using proven techniques can lighten the burden, bringing joy back into your writing projects.
Happy writing!