Be More Realistic About the Time You Have

 

Cease placing faith in the notion that the next attempt will be more effortless, and allocate more time for your tasks rather than attempting to accomplish them within a shorter timeframe.

In the realm of productivity, we often craft elaborate narratives to spur ourselves into completing extensive work within tight deadlines. We compile an array of tasks, convinced that a standard workday can accommodate them all. Yet, as the day concludes, we're taken aback to find unfinished work, forcing us to rush to completion. It's not intentional self-deception about our time management capabilities, but in the heat of the moment, our ability to predict falters, leading us to believe we can achieve the extraordinary within an ordinary day.

Welcome to the land of wishful thinking. We've all been there, chasing the illusion of boundless time. We convince ourselves that there's no harm in setting ambitious plans, as they drive us to exceed expectations. Especially in the era of remote work, there's a pervasive belief that showcasing our value requires overworking. However, indulging in this magical thinking can lead to disappointment for those relying on us, missed deadlines, a sense of depletion, and a loss of inspiration.

Breaking free from time fantasies is intricate. While bosses appreciate our heroic efforts and generously reward them, every hero eventually wears out sooner than anticipated.

Consider the case of Francesca, a researcher at a leading biotech firm. Despite being a thought leader and prolific publisher, she found herself stretched thin, neglecting personal and health aspects. Collaborators were disappointed, and the joint workload became uneven. Francesca's pattern of overcommitment unveiled five elements of magical thinking about time, and we developed remedies for each.

1. My heavy workload is just temporary.

   • Instead of succumbing to the fantasy of temporary overload, objectively review your major projects in the past year. Prioritize the most impactful tasks and renegotiate the rest by saying no, adjusting expectations, or seeking assistance.

2. The next time will be easier.

   • Acknowledge that experience teaches valuable lessons, but additional challenges often emerge with new ventures. Create buffers in your estimates, adding extra time to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Evidence-based buffering reduces stress and allows time for other aspects of life.

3. I will collect immediate rewards.

   • Prioritize delivering timely, quality work at the end of projects, considering how colleagues will feel if you submit subpar work or force delays. Extrinsic rewards for being a dependable team member should follow successful completion.

4. Others will follow my instructions.

   • Provide documentation to promote self-sufficiency and autonomy. Instead of revising work that deviates from guidelines, encourage colleagues to follow the provided instructions before seeking your input.

5. Without me, this work will be poor quality.

   • Dispel the myth of indispensability. Dedicate buffer time to coach colleagues, building their skills and capacity. By relinquishing the notion of having all the answers, you empower others and foster collaboration.

Dependence on magical thinking hampers productivity. Realistically confronting these fantasies enhances the ability to make significant progress without relying on supernatural effort.