Deadline stress?
How do you deal w/ deadline stress? by Carole Guevin
I do pretty colors. One common mistake is to just keep working till the deadline not taking into account the creative overload of both your brain and emotions. To design is a somewhat linear process where information (brief – direction – objective) lead our actions.
Through the years, I kind of always go into the same cycle and I’d like to share how I manage and snap out of it.
I always start with a great appetite and enthusiasm for the approved or nailed concept. For days I will work feverishly, seemingly without never ending energy. Just seeing the blocks falling into place is very exciting (and exhausting).
Next thing I know, the deadline is looming and I stumble into a state of creative paralysis. I’m filled with doubts about the direction. Tempted to can the whole dang thing. Last but not least, fear altogether not getting there..
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Why is it so?
1) I’m tired out of my wit because of the hyper focus given to project.
2) I’m stucked in micro-vision instead of macro. Lost the big picture.
3) I’m placated by it won’t work, worst – that I’m not good enough.
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Of course the whole thing could go south anytime now. Years of experiencing lead to find and apply an (almost) fool-proof solution.
5 Steps for keeping your sanity and getting back your mojo
1) Stop working on the project immediately – you’re useless anyway
2) Leave your desk / office. Go do something else. Totally unrelated
3) Keep away from project till you no longer fear the deadline
4) Don’t think about the ‘deadline’ as your personal ‘execution’ but as what it is: delivery date.
5) When you feel rebooted, go for the finish line, run / rush with all your renewed might and deliver.
