Archive: Around Town

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 Lansing's Advice Column


Dear IMO,

I can't get my work turned in on time what should I do?

Sincerely,

D

Dear D,

Deadlines can be a royal pain, but they also keep us focused and on task, two things that are very foreign to many of us. Like so much in life, it takes practice and patience. The rewards can be very satisfying, but the finish line may seem unreachable. Have no fear, there are three basic rules to keep if you truly want to be complete your work on time and have fun in the process.

First, you need to buy yourself a large, monthly calendar with space at least 2” by 2” inches per day. They come in all shapes and sizes so choose the one that appeals to you and has the space to write a few words. Hint: you don’t need flash and pizzazz; simpler is better.

Next, neatly write in the appropriate space the item due for a particular day. For example, you are assigned to write a five page report on a certain topic. The assignment is due in three weeks from the day you receive it. You write in the appropriate square, three weeks from the day you receive the assignment, “5 page report due.” A week before the due date, you write in the appropriate square “5 page rough draft due.” If you need one extra reminder, you write in the space two weeks before the due date, “Research for 5 page report NOW.”

This is your guide, your roadmap, and your constant visual reminder of what needs to get done with a reminder for each stage of the project. Put the calendar in the most prominent spot in your work space and check it every day. Yes, this may mean taking down the velvet art painting of the dogs playing poker, but you’ll recover.

Finally, you ought to establish some reward system for completing your project on time. Buy yourself a treat or rent a really great movie keeping in mind that this is the reward for completing the project on time. It is not to be used as a distraction or “promise” to finish work on time. If you finish ahead of schedule and turn it in before the due date, really give yourself a treat and have a “night out,” or something similar.

Above all, view each task, project, report, or assignment as an adventure in learning. Let your creative energies flow and apply yourself to the work at hand. If this doesn’t work, then you might want to look for new work, change your major, or become an advice columnist. Good luck.

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