Tips to Meet Deadlines
Freelance writers often suffer the "feast or famine" cycle when it comes to work. While the famine times are difficult, the "feast" times can be even more of a challenge since it may mean juggling a lot of deadlines. Deadlines must be adhered to if you intend to maintain a strong reputation as a freelance writer. There are some simple tips to help freelancers meet deadlines:
Sort projects
One of the first things you can do to work towards meeting your deadlines is to sort your projects. There should be three sort categories which are:
1. Deadline - First sort your projects by the anticipated deadlines. Make sure you have the most urgent at the top of your pile.
2. Project type - If you have a press release, two websites and four articles, then create three piles. Each project should be placed with similar projects so that you know exactly what you are dealing with. Keep in mind that your closest deadlines should be at the top of each pile.
3. Enthusiasm - If you are honest with yourself there are some projects you are less enthusiastic about than others. Place the ones that you have the least amount of enthusiasm for that also have the closest deadlines at the top.
When you are done, you should have three project piles sorted by project type and at the top should be the projects that you have the least amount of enthusiasm for. They should also have the most pressing deadlines at the top.
Getting started
Now it is time to get working on the projects that are most pressing. While it may be seriously tempting to start with the easiest projects first, avoid that urge. You will be far more productive if you get those projects you dread the most out of the way first. Take the pile with the most pressing deadlines and begin with the project (or projects) in that pile that you dread the most.
Some people may consider this to be a counter-intuitive approach to meeting deadlines. However, by working on your most dreaded projects first, you will be far more enthusiastic about getting it completed quickly (and accurately) so that you can start on the projects you know you will enjoy.
Staying focused
It can be difficult to stay focused when you are working on a project that you dislike. One way to keep yourself focused on the tasks that need to be accomplished is to allow yourself a brief respite from the work at hand every couple of hours. Even if all you do is step outside and take a few deep breaths of fresh air, you can return to your tasks with renewed enthusiasm. Here are some other simple things you can do to stay focused:
Close your email window - Do not allow yourself to get distracted by responding to emails. Close your email and shut off any automatic notifications;
Close your instant messenger - Clearly instant messengers are even more obtrusive than emails. Close your messengers down completely or put a "busy" message on until you have completed your work.
There are other things that may intrude on your work, depending on your individual circumstances. Do your level best to eliminate as many distractions as possible while you are focusing on the tasks at hand.
Summary
It is not difficult to accept more work than you can reasonably handle. There are cases where project requirements change, a long term client asks for a "rush" job, a family emergency arises and other sometimes uncontrollable circumstances crop up. It is critical that you do your level best to meet deadlines at all times. These are just a few tips that can help you meet your freelancing deadlines.
