The term deadline can sound severe in several circumstances, and after looking up its historical significance I found that it was first coined during the American Civil War. I was surprised at how literally it was used. A Confederate General described a line that Federal prisoners were not allowed to pass without threat of being killed. I prefer the use of the word deadline in the world of printing. In the early 19th century it was used to describe a line from which nothing would print properly on a printing press. Later, in the 1920s, deadline was used to express a ‘time limit’ in the newspaper industry.
I don’t know about you, but if deadlines held the same lethal connotation they did in prison camps over 200 years ago, I’d have been dead and buried by my Junior year in high school. (And, it was totally my science project partner’s fault!) The point to all of this is, do you set serious deadlines for yourself? Do you take your deadlines seriously? What are the consequences and rewards for reaching a deadline?
Let’s take this one step at a time.
Do you set serious deadlines for yourself? Personally, I aim to post twice a week on my blog, and it’s a goal to work on at least 8-10k words a week. Whether I’m writing a post, revising a chapter, or doing research, I want to imagine, edit, and type a heck of a lot of words each day. Some may aim higher, others are lucky to get 8k words written in month (that was me last year).
I’ve tried to keep my story deadlines in check with weekly writing deadlines. Let’s say I want to finish an 80k-word novel. I know that I can feasibly write 8k words a week, and that adds up to being finished with the novel in 10 weeks.
Say what?!?!? I’m such a slacker!!! Just kill me now, right? I’m definitely NOT setting serious deadlines, or I’d be writing 3-4 novels a year!
Do you take your deadlines seriously? Well, I can honestly say, NO! If I did, then you’d have read my novel, Descent, by now. Since I can’t speak/write on behalf of how I’ve already taken my deadlines seriously and that I’m writing my fifth novel, I’m going to explore how I (and you) might grow to be better at getting serious about my deadlines. First, I need to take a step back and look at what deadlines in my life I do take seriously… Grocery shopping, the kids’ homework, laundry, date night, and weekly lesson plans (working out should be on this list). Will I die if these things don’t get done? Probably not, but I’ve subconsciously decided that they all take precedence. I don’t think it’s a bad thing, because we all have priorities. I (you) just have to make sure that we make writing a priority. Writing needs to be on the list, right next to feeding myself.
What are the consequences and rewards for reaching a deadline? Currently, I don’t have many, if any, but I do think the right answer to this question will propel me forward in taking my deadlines more seriously and meeting them. So, if I don’t reach my deadline, then I don’t get to watch my favorite TV show or go get coffee with friends. Are these consequences severe enough? Well, they would be if I actually disciplined myself. Maybe a better way to approach this is through motivation. If I meet my weekly goal, I get to reward myself with a mani/pedi!?! I’m sure there are some better ideas, but I really need a mani/pedi.
WRITING EXERCISE:
If you haven’t written out your goals for the year/month/day… Take the time to set short-term and long-term deadlines for yourself, and revisit them regularly to make adjustments. Keep them near your calendar (if not on it), so you stay motivated!
Regardless of the terminology, don’t let deadlines frighten you. Instead, set them and let them be a driving force for your craft. I’m preaching to the choir here, people. Let’s do this together! Share your tips and tricks for reaching your deadlines in the comments below.
