Sometimes despite careful planning, assignments get backed up, editors ask for work early or you get sick and miss a few days of work. Maybe you just spent all day on Twitter instead of finishing a story that’s due.
Whatever the reason, you’re behind and close to hitting the panic button.
That’s me right now. Too many non-work obligations have chewed into my work time during the past month. Now I’m staring down a week filled with deadlines I’m figuring out how to meet.
Over the years I’ve known some writers and PR people who live in a constant state of crisis. I’m not one of them. I’m already a worrier, and there’s too much else in work and life to be concerned with – like where the next assignment is coming from, for example – to make myself freak out over things that I can control.
So here’s my recipe for avoiding panic mode. I kept it short in case you’re like me and reading it on borrowed time:
1. Cut out anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Random Web browsing and hourly updates of my status on Twitter – ain’t gonna happen this week.
2. Make a to-do list. Dump everything you need to do out of your head and onto a piece of paper, your Microsoft Outlook Task manager or whatever you use to keep track of work. Break projects done bit by bit and cross them off as you finish each part. It feels great and gives you an idea of how much you’ve accomplished and what still needs to be done.
3. Do one thing at a time. Rather than work on each project a little bit at a time, plow through one, get it done and move onto the next.
4. Write fast. Set a timer and don’t let yourself be distracted until you hear the buzzer. If you can, create a story outline before your research and interviews are finished to help you zero in on what you need to ask. Write during your “up” time of day to maximize productivity.
4. Save marketing for next week. I know this goes against other freelance writing bloggers who say you have to market day in and day out no matter what. But honestly, it can wait. If editors don’t see my stories when they’re due, they aren’t going to want to read my pitches.
5. Ask for help. Need to turn in file art for story? Email the PR department at the company, agency or government office you’re interviewing and ask if they can send something directly to your editor. Use Twitter, LinkedIn or HARO to round up sources. And if you really don’t think you’ll make it, email or call your editor and ask for an extra day or two – just don’t make it a habit.
6. Keep a can-do mindset. There’s a fine line between feeling overwhelmed and feeling on top of things. Sometimes just telling yourself you’re in control of the situation is the only different. So stay positive.
What’s your secret for not hitting the panic button?
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These are great tips!
I recently had a death in the family. It was totally unexpected and he was young, so I spent a few days with family: away from the computer–and my assignments. My editors and clients have been so understanding, though, and have allowed me time to get caught up. I take great pride in meeting my deadlines. Many times I turn my work in early. So, I was horrified to have to ask for extended deadlines. But in this case, a sudden loss of a loved one, I just didn’t have a choice.
Thank you for your kind words and compassion, Michelle. (Love your name, by the way!)
Yes, my editors and clients do know I’m reliable and that I’ll “break my neck” to please them and turn in quality work. They also know I’m deadline-driven. Still, it just “hurt” to have to ask. Guess I’m weird that way….
Michele
[...] Rafter on Avoiding panic mode when you have too many deadlines. Like Michelle, I am not one of those people who thrives on stress, and I like to make my work [...]
I think working bit by bit on the single project and finishing it before starting the next project/work is really a good idea that I can adopt..this way I have to listen(I mean blaming) from my boss for just 1-2 projects rather than getting the word for every project. Also, I don’t know a thing in general…why people make deadlines too tight when they know the work is going to be late for sometime…if anything gets late by 2-3 days, I don’t think any-one will get a bigger heart-attack..specially when they are sure to waste 10-12 days on thinking about other unwanted things…:)
Most writers who work for themselves don’t have the luxury of finishing one project before starting the next. Most have multiple projects going at the same time, but in varying states of being produced – signing a contract on one, doing interviews for another, writing a third, working on revisions of a fourth, following up on payment for a fifth, coming up with pitches for a sixth, and so on. It’s the nature of the beast. The more organized among us ascertain how long a project should take, add an extra 20 to 30 percent to cover unforseen circumstances, then plot out the time on our calendars so when that project’s deadline rolls around we’re finished with the work. There are all kinds of software programs for tracking time and many writers use them – though as you say, it doesn’t stop some from procrastinating up until the last minute. Of course, they were the ones who probably crammed for finals too.
Michelle
Michele:
I’m so sorry for your loss. An unexpected death in the family or similar hardship is always a legitimate reason to ask for an extension on assignments. As you said, you often turn in stories before they’re due, so your editors are probably more inclined to give you some leeway than someone who isn’t as reliable.
Michelle Rafter