The Freelancer's Guide to Overcoming Procrastination and Missed Deadlines

It's a familiar story for many freelancers: you start a project with enthusiasm, but as the deadline approaches, a sense of dread sets in. You find yourself watching YouTube videos, scrolling through social media, or doing anything but the work that needs to be done. Before you know it, the deadline has passed, and you're left with an unhappy client and a sense of failure.

This is the situation one freelance video editor found themselves in, as they shared in a recent Reddit post. They had missed deadlines with five different clients, and were feeling like they were "ruining everything."

The post resonated with many other freelancers, who shared their own struggles with procrastination and offered advice on how to break the cycle. Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion:

You're Not Alone

The first thing to know is that you're not alone. Many freelancers struggle with procrastination and missed deadlines. It's a common problem, and it doesn't mean you're a bad person or a bad freelancer.

It's Not About Laziness

It's also important to understand that procrastination is not about laziness. As the original poster wrote, "I don’t think I’m lazy. When I do work, I can focus for hours and I really care about the quality."

Procrastination is often a symptom of something else, such as:

• Perfectionism: You're so afraid of not doing a perfect job that you can't even start.
• Fear of failure: You're so afraid of failing that you avoid the task altogether.
• Feeling overwhelmed: The project seems so big and daunting that you don't know where to start.
• ADHD: Many people with ADHD struggle with executive function skills, which can make it difficult to plan, organize, and stay on task.

Strategies for Success

Once you understand the root cause of your procrastination, you can start to develop strategies for overcoming it. Here are some of the tips that were shared in the Reddit post:

• Break it down: Break large projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make the project seem less daunting and make it easier to get started.
• Set realistic deadlines: Don't promise more than you can deliver. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver.
• Use a timer: The Pomodoro Technique is a popular time management method that can be very effective for procrastinators. It involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break.
• Get an accountability partner: Find another freelancer or friend who you can check in with on a regular basis. This can help you stay on track and motivated.
• Get professional help: If you think you may have ADHD or another underlying condition, it's important to get professional help. A therapist or coach can help you develop strategies for managing your symptoms and succeeding as a freelancer.

The Bottom Line

Procrastination is a common problem for freelancers, but it's not insurmountable. By understanding the root cause of your procrastination and developing strategies for overcoming it, you can break the cycle of missed deadlines and build a successful freelance career.