Managing End-of-Year Deadlines and Related Stress
Procrastination and excuses go hand in hand. Let’s face it, this year we all have a mile-long list of valid excuses why we are behind on our goals. In these uncertain times, it has been hard to focus on what needs to be done. Whether you have been an essential worker on the front lines taking care of patients and your community or you have been confined to your home due to lockdowns, making deadlines and hitting goals has been exceptionally hard this year.
I encourage you to take a deep breath and find a moment to be thankful for small things that bring you peace. It may seem silly; however, thankfulness can be a strong weapon against anxiety and mounting stress. It helps us focus our thoughts and priorities.
Today, I’m thankful for the sunshine. It’s November, after all, and where I live that means sunshine is going to be a rare sight over the next 5 months. What are you thankful for? What makes your heart happy? Focus on what is good, true, and admirable.
Remind yourself that you get to pursue the next step, you get to take your next breath and move forward. When we take our thoughts captive and focus on thankfulness and change our thoughts from “I have to” to “I get to,” our perspective changes, and we can filter through our priorities with a little more clarity.
Now, don’t stop there. Deadlines are still coming, and you have great things yet to do. So, dig back into your goals. Look at your calendar with a critical eye. Are there things that are draining your time, but are not bringing you closer to your goals? Do you need to reset your priorities? Be sure you are aware of deadlines and timing. This is especially true for college students. As you look to meet your end of the semester educational deadlines, you may have to put other things aside and diligently push through to finish your courses. Keep focused on your goal. Is it worth it? I believe it is, and if you made it this far, you probably do too. While classes and the end of the semester can be overwhelming at times, this is a season of life that is preparing you for your next step. This time is bridging the gap between where you have been and where you want to be. Sometimes bridges are high and scary but getting to the other side is rewarding.
Don’t let deadlines sneak up on you. Be sure you understand the timing that you need to allow as you finish courses and transfer credits to your home institution. Be thankful, and focus on all you get to do now, and all you will get to do in the future because you have pushed through. Remind yourself this is your season for this challenge; the next season will look different and you will be more prepared for it because you have persevered.
December 14: Last day to submit final exam to allow for grading and subsequent transcript request in 2020.
December 16: Last day to request an official transcript in 2020!
