The Cranky Yogi: Mr. & Ms. Deadline Dodger

As a business owner, web designer, yogi, father, husband, brother, uncle, consumer and human being, I find it very challenging when someone doesn't deliver on what they have promised and do it on time. It can be a project, email, product, phone call, or just an answer to your question. I pride myself on delivering on time. If I don't, I  inform the person that I can't and why. I do all that I can to do this before the deadline, not after. I learned from someone a long time ago that 90% of getting a job done is showing up. There is nothing worse than chasing after somebody that was supposed to deliver something to you, then not being able to find them when the deadline arrives.

I'm not saying that I'm perfect, but there seems to be a lot of serial “deadline dodgers” out there.

The Solution

Just because I'm a person that is very focused on deadlines, does that mean everyone else is? Maybe I need to let up. Can that project, phone call, answer or email wait one more day? The answer is often yes!

My resolution then, is to take a step onto the mat and to do 10 minutes of asana or meditation when I find myself getting worked up over this issue. After that, I will step off the mat, and ask myself the question, "Is this really that important?" Often our lives get overly complicated, and in these times it is easy to neglect our practice. When we neglect our well being, we end up allowing ourselves to get worked up more easily and find ourselves drained a lot more often. This resolution will be my way of staying grounded and connected to my emotions.

Alternatively, for those of you out there that are one of those serial “deadline dodgers”, you may be causing a great deal of stress for someone or many someones. So, for you, I have devised a list of ways you can make the rest of the "deadline-focused" very happy.

1. When someone sends you an email or leaves you a phone message, try to respond in 24 hours.

2. If you are going to be late on a project, rather than delivering the task half done. take pride in the work you are handing over and see point 3.

3. If it absolutely must be late, call before the deadline (with as much notice as possible) and ask for an extension. Most people are pretty reasonable and understand if you need more time. There is nothing worse then getting to the deadline and that’s when you show up and say it’s not done. Give the person you are working with, the consideration and time to change plans.

4. If things go horribly wrong and you feel tempted to avoid the phone calls, again, think about not only how long it will sit on your conscience, but also the impact of your inaction on your the other person. Pick up that phone and face the music. If you’re really that afraid of the repercussions, send an email. At least an email written with Caps Lock on is easier to digest than a yelling match.