Firstly, you know your stuff, so get your SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in order. Set yourself up for (deadline) success by delivering services following documented, repeatable, specific-to-you steps and procedures, along a timed roadmap, with strict waypoints for feedback/input and highly specific deliverables or end-result. Sure, adhering to a SOP might feel stiff and unsexy, but delivering value in the most effective and efficient way, is sexy indeed. The best part is, you can rinse and repeat. And repeat.

While not suitable for all manner of services (and might not be suitable for your thing), Mr Ebel is partial to productised services (packaging you services as products at fixed prices with clearly defined and pre-specified deliverables), which also go hand in glove with a well-conceived SOP. Structuring your work in this pre-defined way is more “deadline friendly” than delivering every new project from scratch, based on estimates and semi-accurate forecasts.

Tools to help you meet deadlines abound a plenty – use them. If you don’t follow a SOP or if your SOP is still in development, begin by breaking large projects into smaller milestones with internal deadlines for each part. Use project management tools like Asana or Trello to map out tasks, timelines and track progress (and to create you SOP). Build in buffer time and deadlines before the deadline in case certain tasks take longer.

Set alerts and reminders for your internal deadlines using calendar apps like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Cozi. Include a mix of rigid and flexible deadlines depending on priority, with focus on what is client-facing. 

Minimise distractions during actual “work”. Silence phone notifications, close email and avoid rabbit holes. Use apps like Focus, Freedom or Flora to block certain websites at certain times, and to build concentration stamina. The game-like Promodoro technique can also be effective, alternating 25-minute super-focused work blocks with 5-minute anything goes breaks. 

Good advice in general, but excellent advice as it relates to deadlines: double-down on strengths and superpower(s), outsource weaknesses. Automate whenever possible and/or hire a virtual assistant or recruit specialists for areas outside your expertise. This to free up time and allow you to focus on things you should be doing i.e. delivering value doing what you do best.  

Like herrings for a circus seal (which we in no way condone or approve of), reward yourself when you reach fixed SOP waypoints and/or complete project phases on schedule. Small treats for incremental progress provide positive reinforcement between larger milestones. Just don't let rewards (or herrings) continually creep into your schedule.