We've all been there: knowing that the deadline for a big project is looming, but somehow leaving it until the last minute. The stress builds up, the pressure mounts, and while the end result might still look great, the process is anything but enjoyable.
As someone who works with deadlines, especially when it comes to creative projects like quilting or creating a body of work, you’d think we’d learn from the chaos, right? But somehow, many of us keep falling into that familiar trap: procrastination. I know I have written about this before but it is always a good idea to be reminded of these ‘bad habits’ and how to stop it from happening!
So, how can we shift this pattern, embrace better planning and avoid that stress-fueled scramble at the eleventh hour? Here are some tips that I have found helpful in my creative practice to help me stay on track and finish my projects with confidence….perhaps these will help you too:
BREAK DOWN THE PROJECT INTO SMALLER TASKS
The idea of a whole body of work can feel overwhelming and that can lead to procrastination. I find that instead of focusing on the enormity of the project, it helps to break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks. For example, if I’m working on a series of art works, I break the process down like this: design sketches, fabric selection, cutting, piecing, quilting, and finishing. Of course, that is when I’m working on art quilts. Not all my work consists of quilts as I do a lot of free motion machine embroidery on my textile art and I then break my process down slightly differently as there will be framing involved and that needs extra time.
By tackling one small task at a time, I find it less daunting and the project feels much more manageable.
SET MINI DEADLINES
Once I’ve broken down my project into smaller tasks, I assign a deadline to each one. I set myself mini-deadlines along the way, not just the final one. This way, I’ll be progressing in stages rather than having to pull all-nighters when the final due date arrives. I must be honest, this is easier said than done! I often find myself in a panic when I did not follow these steps!
Tools like calendars, apps or even sticky notes can help you visually track your progress and keep you accountable. It’s also a good idea to have a fellow artist friend who can drop in from time to time for a studio visit and to make sure that the work is on track.
PRIORITIZE WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT
When time is tight, it’s easy to get bogged down in details that may not make a big impact on the final outcome. It is so easy to do this by creating the familiar and falling into that creative rut. I try to identify the critical elements of my project that must be completed by the deadline and I prioritize them. I focus on the elements that are absolutely crucial to be finished first and then fill in the smaller, less crucial details afterward. As I said, easier said than done!
USE A TIMER: WORK IN FOCUSED BURSTS
Procrastination loves distraction. Someone told me years ago how to try and avoid this. Her advice was to set a timer for 25-30 minutes during which I focus entirely on one task. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break and then start again.
These short bursts of focused work help me get more done in less time and avoid feeling like I’m always working but not making progress.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND MANAGE PERFECTIONISM
I find that perfectionism can often be the sneaky culprit behind procrastination. I often delay starting or completing a project because I’m worried it won’t be perfect and I think a lot of us work like that! But remember, creative work is often repetitive and your first draft doesn’t need to be flawless. Focus on progress, not perfection. You can always refine your work later. I have to remind myself of this all the time!
SET ASIDE UNINTERRUPTED CREATIVE TIME
Life is busy and it can be easy to push creative work aside when other responsibilities crop up. To stop this from happening, I set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time to work on my project. I turn off distractions, I tell my family or friends I’ll be unavailable and I treat this time as non-negotiable.
Even a couple of hours each week of focused time can make a huge difference.
DON’T FEAR THE DEADLINE!
I’m trying to learn to reframe my relationship with deadlines. Instead of viewing them as pressure points, I try to see them as helpful tools to motivate and structure my work. This is also the reason why I set miniature deadlines! They create boundaries, forcing me to make decisions and move forward which is essential in creative fields where the possibilities can feel endless.
CONCLUSION: PLAN, PACE AND STAY POSITIVE
Procrastinating might give us a short-term relief but it leads to long-term stress. The good news is that with better planning, you can break free from the last-minute rush. By breaking tasks down, setting mini-deadlines, managing perfectionism and sticking to a structured schedule, you can enjoy a more peaceful creative process and meet your deadlines with confidence.
Remember, it’s not about working more—it’s about working smarter.
Happy creating!
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