How often do you feel that things aren’t happening quickly enough? That nothing is materializing in the time frame it should? That you’re lagging or stagnating or just plain ineffective?

Does not being able to make a difference inside of a week, month or even a year lead to a sense of urgency that turns to desperation in moments of self-doubt?

Don’t sweat it. I feel it, too. And so does every other human who makes the attempt to launch a product, build a business, grow a following, self-improve or foster a relationship.  Continue reading

It’s July 5, and you’ve set today as the deadline to finish your research for your brand (or lose your first five pounds, or weed your unruly garden, or write and mail your thank you notes). You wake up and see the date circled on your calendar. You’re terrified; you’re not any closer to completing this goal than you were the day you set it. Naturally, you choose one of two rational courses of action: a) spend the day hiding from your calendar in a pile of tasks requiring immediate attention, or b) organize the silverware drawer. You helplessly feel the day slipping away, the deadline beating at the back of your skull like a tension headache.

By bedtime, you’re deflated. You’ve let yourself down. You’ve been irresponsible. You’re a flake and a failure.

You’ve come down with a horrible case of Arbitrary Deadline Syndrome.

The worse part? You brought it on yourself. Continue reading