The Downside of Deadlines

In May 2009, I left a high-paying job to write a novel, and I’ve never regretted it. Navigating the traditional publishing route—versus self-publishing—takes vast patience, but I’m up for the challenge. When it comes to accomplishing goals in my personal life, I’ve learned it’s dangerous to place deadlines on myself. I’ve watched these artificial deadlines derail individuals too many times when they didn’t hit them. Work may be about deadlines, but life is not.

When you near the end of your life and look back, are you going to care if it took an extra five or ten years to become a best-selling novelist, successful business owner, or renowned painter?

I doubt it.

If anything, that extra time, including the additional miles and scenery, will make the accomplishment sweeter.

Life is not about deadlines.

Are you placing too much pressure on yourself to hit a personal goal next month? Next year? Let yourself grow and blossom naturally. Keep moving forward. It will happen when you’re ready.