How to stay accountable when you’re the only one setting deadlines

The freedom of being your own boss is something that appeals to a lot of creatives. However, running your own business also means you need to be disciplined in how you manage your time. 

So when you’re the only one setting deadlines, how can you stick to them? If you need a bit of advice to help you crack the whip and stick to your own project timelines, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s look at some time management techniques to help motivate you and make sure you meet your deadlines with minimal stress.

Why is it tricky setting deadlines for yourself?

Have you ever noticed that when a client, customer, or even a friend sets a timeframe, you focus on meeting it — yet your own deadlines often get pushed to the side? When another person is involved, it’s natural to feel that you need to be accountable. They set an expectation for you to meet. 

When you’re the person setting the calendar, however, there’s nobody else to please. It can become easier to justify delays, and you may find yourself getting a little too flexible. Without a sense of external pressure, some tasks can completely fall by the wayside. The key to staying accountable for your own deadlines is to treat them with the same urgency and respect you’d give anyone else’s.

If that sounds easier said than done, here are some practical tips you can weave into your daily schedule to keep projects on track and on time.

Make sure your deadlines are achievable and realistic

You may be familiar with SMART goals — these aims are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Applying the SMART framework can be handy for setting task deadlines, too. 

As you create your weekly plan or schedule, think about breaking bigger tasks into smaller ones, giving yourself different deadlines for each. For example, if you’ve set yourself the task of creating a blog strategy for your business website, you might find it useful to split the job into smaller, specific tasks due on different days. 

When setting the deadlines, try to keep them specific, too. Rather than setting a vague timeframe of “next week”, try going for “Thursday by 2pm”.

Set buffers

Whether you have a single deadline for a big project or you work in a role that requires juggling multiple tasks at once, it can be helpful to set ‘buffers’. Consider setting yourself a deadline a few days before the official due date. 

Not only does this ensure the work reaches your client or customer in time, but it also gives you a bit of breathing room to quality check or to account for any unexpected delays or issues.

Write it down

We all have different ways of working. Perhaps you enjoy using project management tools and software, or maybe you prefer a classic pen-and-paper checklist. Either way, getting your deadlines out of your head and into a visual form can help them feel more valid, real, and urgent.

Track your progress

In a similar way, tracking your work as you go can help show that you’re making progress and getting results. Seeing this progress can be a big motivator, helping you focus on getting the task done by your deadline.

Find an accountability partner

When working on your own and handling your own calendar, it’s easy for procrastination to sneak in. If you’re someone who works well in a group or side-by-side with another person, why not find yourself an accountability buddy? This is someone who can work alongside you (virtually or in person) and keep you motivated. 

By vocalising your deadlines to your accountability partner, you are more likely to treat them seriously and follow through. Knowing that someone else is aware of your goals adds a layer of external pressure and encouragement that can help you stay on track.

An accountability buddy can also act as a sounding board for your ideas, offering feedback, perspective, and support when you hit a roadblock. All of this can provide a welcome motivation boost, helping you become more confident in your ability to set and meet your deadlines.

Celebrate your wins

An accountability partner can also be your biggest cheerleader, helping you celebrate when you meet those once-dreaded deadlines. And even if you go it alone, don’t forget to recognise your wins. 

Whether it’s adding a big, bold tick next to your checklist or treating yourself to an extra biscuit with your afternoon cuppa, make sure you take a moment to congratulate yourself on your progress. Small wins count!

Business support and motivation from your Virtual Assistant

Whatever tasks you’ve been meaning to complete, external help can be a fantastic way to get yourself out of an organisational rut and feel good about setting deadlines for yourself.

The Bizzybee team is here to provide virtual assistant (VA) support that can help you keep your projects on track as you grow your business. 

From inbox management and social media scheduling to being your dedicated accountability buddy, Erin can take care of day-to-day admin, check in on your progress, and keep you focused on what really matters. 

Get in touch to have a chat!