When the stakes are too low

A deadline is a powerful tool.

In an ideal world, there are no deadlines. Everyone is cruising along at a comfortable pace.

But is that really good for anyone?

I experienced that feeling as a freelancer. There is no boss to tell you what to do, and there is no deadline to chase.

There are plenty of excuses for not taking action today. It’s sunny outside, I haven’t slept much, and the timing is not right.

But as in freelancing, no one is having fun if it’s a low-stakes game.

You need to feel that comfortable warmth of a fire right behind your ass to keep you moving forward.

If you do, each day you leap forward is a victory.

There is a sweet spot, though. Crank up the heat too much, and everyone will burn out.

I’ve experienced the fake deadline all-nighters, and they are toxic as hell.

So crank the heat to a gentle simmer, not a full boil.

You can’t cook with cold water.

Yours,

Taj