Parkinson’s Law

Parkinson's Law states that "works expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." This holds true in many aspects of our lives, from work projects or personal commitments. If you have a deadline four weeks from now, that task will almost certainly require the entire month to finish. But it doesn't have to be this way. By working smarter, not harder, and productive vs. busy, we can accomplish more than 95% of our peers in the same amount of time. A few tricks to avoid falling into the trap of Parkinson's Law:

Budget Your Time

Allocate time on your calendar to work on large projects as soon as you get them. Don't wait to get going until a deadline is looming. People don't do their best work under pressure. I know many creatives that believe this, and I personally used to tell myself the same tale while pulling all-nighters before a big presentation. The reality is that we don't do better work when we procrastinate. We can get the job done because of our neurochemistry. The stress response of a looming deadline causes the brain to release adrenaline, which allows you to complete the project. I guarantee you it is not the best possible finished product. This approach is how spelling errors or other missed details can make you look like a rookie. Be a professional. Take the time to do exceptional work every time. 

Avoid Distraction

Turn off all alerts. No email, social media, or phone calls during your focus time. Give whatever you are working on undivided attention. Distraction derails focus causing simple tasks to take longer. How do you expect to produce exceptional work without paying attention? Allocate time to do your email, and don't open it for the rest of the day.

Set a Timer

Try the Pomodoro Technique, Francesco Cirillo advises you to work in small chunks of time with short breaks in between. The easiest way to start is to work for a 25-minute session followed by a 5-minute break and work for another 25-minute block of time. You set your intention for the work before you start the timer, so not a second is wasted on "what will I work on now?" You decide what you'll focus on; you hit the time, and your focus begins to align with action right away.

Don't Procrastinate

The first step is the hardest. Don't wait until the deadline is looming before beginning. Exceptional work takes a solid effort. From the research into a subject to the iterative creative process and continuous refinement until you feel the work is complete. Steve Jobs was famous for many things, one of which was his keynotes. He was phenomenal because he was methodically prepared, having practiced each presentation dozens and dozens of times. Waiting will diminish your ability to do your best work.

Your calendar is like an empty closet, if you arent' mindful of what you put in it, it will end up filled with crap.