Every creator knows the feeling of a fast-approaching deadline. But you can avoid the deadline stresses with these seven super helpful tips.
Tip 1: Make a good plan
To defeat the deadline dread you’re feeling, the first step is to make a good plan. Break down the project in question into small tasks. It goes from being one massive project into small manageable tasks.
Tip 2: With multiple projects, plan accordingly
When you find yourself working on numerous projects with their own individual deadlines, stick to the planning tip we mentioned above. The only difference this time around is that your time management is even more crucial. You’ll have a lot more tasks to juggle, but it can be down with a good project roadmap.
Tip 3: Master the art of time management
There’s are a lot of different methods for managing your work time effectively. Find what one works for you. You may find the Pomodoro method — which divides your working time into 25-minute chunks separated with five-minute breaks — works for you. Regardless, find the method that doesn’t wear your stamina down, because you’re going to need it to meet your deadline.
Tip 4: Communicate
Sometimes, you will be working with others. So while you might be on top of your tasks, your partners might not be. It’s important to communicate with your team. Calendar planning can help keep everyone on the same page with task due dates. If you happen to be the one holding everyone up, be honest with what is delaying you. At the very least, it will allow your team to plan around your hold up.
Tip 5: Deal with what you are given
If everything fails and you can’t communicate with your team, you sometimes just have to power through it all. Work on things that you can work on at that moment. Find things to do. If you have a strict deadline, never just wait around.
Tip 6: Use shortcuts
Shortcuts can save you loads of time. For instance, you can use stock footage or customizable pre-built graphics. Taking shortcuts isn’t cheating. If you need to meet a deadline, they may be your best bet.
Tip 7: Finish it!
We all want our projects to be perfect, but it needs to be finished. That is the reality. When it comes down to it, a good project on time is much more valuable in the professional world than a perfect project a few weeks late. Do your best with the time you have and send it off when that time is up.
Keep these tips in mind and learn from your mistakes. You will grow and become better at working within all of your deadlines. If you want an in-depth guide to working effectively under deadlines, check out “7 Tips for Producing Awesome Video on a Deadline.”
