Deadlines, extensions, frustrations and being me

Just one assignment in and the schedule attacks. Stress levels are high and just when I was about to give in, an global email arrives advising that the late February 19 assignment deadline was extended to early April. Clearly I must not have been the only one struggling.

CDG Airport Paris

However, with just days to go I had all but done what I possibly could. Talk about being ungrateful, rather than welcoming the extension I moaned about it for days with friends and colleagues. Do I use the time effectively? no of course not!

My work schedule is not within my gift and revolves about many others to which I provide services. Thus the elate Feb deadline would have suited me best as I had meeting commitments in the US in mid-March and Italy in April.

I spent many days being frustrated with myself that I was unable to make good use of this extension. However, I did finally carve out a few days and managed to put the assignment through 2 to 3 more iterations. And if I do say myself I do think it has improved it. Only time will Tell.

So what did I learn from this experience. A few things:

• I’m not good with unexpected changes even if they are good ones

• I need to embrace the fluid nature of my work and how I can integrate study and research within it

• Airports can be a good place to think, especially if you are travelling alone

• It is amazing where you can actually make time, it just takes dedication and a little initiative

So will I have learned my lesson, who knows! I for one hope so. I think the key is to manage myself. I know what I am like. I do best under pressure, however under pressure is not good for the writing process. Slow thoughts and iterative revision is the key. I think I had best under commit and over delivery on my own schedule.