A Deadline Is a Hard Constraint, Not a Wish
Set deadlines only when real consequences occur after that moment: contract expirations, registration closes, or project handoffs.
If you simply want to complete something this week, schedule a work block rather than creating artificial deadlines you will end up ignoring.
Schedule Preparation Well in Advance
The deadline marks the final delivery time, not when to start. For large projects, schedule prerequisite phases with ample lead time.
Leave room for review and revisions. Delivery date should not coincide with the moment you finish your initial draft.
Reminders Should Trigger Immediate Action
Set alerts for moments when you can actually take action, such as departure warnings or pre-meeting notifications.
Excessive alerts cause insensitivity. Reserve notifications for critical tasks or easily forgotten routines.