| If Your Project Doesn't Have a Deadline, Make One Up. It's easy to prioritize projects that have deadlines — you know exactly when they're due. But how do you motivate yourself when a project doesn't have a deadline? Try making one up. Pick a date that you want the work done by, or set aside a certain amount of time for it each day or week. You can also create accountability by enlisting positive peer pressure. Tell a colleague what your deadline is (even if you picked it), and send them updates regularly. For additional motivation, incentivize yourself. For example, you might decide that after spending a morning on the project, you'll treat yourself to lunch. Or you could let yourself work from your favorite coffee shop — as long as you finish the project's next step. If those incentives aren't powerful enough, try penalties. Decide that if you don't complete the task as planned, you won't be able to listen to your favorite podcast or watch your favorite TV show tonight. |
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| Today’s Tip |
| If Your Project Doesn't Have a Deadline, Make One Up |
| It's easy to prioritize projects that have deadlines — you know exactly when they're due. But how do you motivate yourself when a project doesn't have a deadline? Try making one up. Pick a date that you want the work done by, or set aside a certain amount of time for it each day or week. You can also create accountability by enlisting positive peer pressure. Tell a colleague what your deadline is (even if you picked it), and send them updates regularly. For additional motivation, incentivize yourself. For example, you might decide that after spending a morning on the project, you'll treat yourself to lunch. Or you could let yourself work from your favorite coffee shop — as long as you finish the project's next step. If those incentives aren't powerful enough, try penalties. Decide that if you don't complete the task as planned, you won't be able to listen to your favorite podcast or watch your favorite TV show tonight. |
| This tip is adapted from “How to Motivate Yourself When You Don't Have a Deadline,” by Elizabeth Grace Saunders |
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