Three Ways Dealing with Deadline Pressure
Tags: attitude, psychology, pressure, work
Published: 2019-11-17 11:33:48

---
title: Three Ways Dealing with Deadline Pressure
published: true
description: 
tags: attitude, psychology, pressure, work
---

Dealing task with deadline is no joke for developers. Whenever you have just finish on coding task, sometime error/bug will come out to surprise. It can be difficult when you have a bundle of task at your hand.

### Before Start

You need to know what kind of task you dealing with. Is it a New Requirement type or Debug type? After identified all task then set __PRIORITY__ for each task, for example in my case, I will set Debug will be first top priority task since it require much more energy to solve it, then after that set New Requirement as next priority. Each priority level is depend on individual problem-solving skills and type of task.

After finish sort out task, there are three techniques you can try when execute task.

## 1. Pomodoro Technique

![Alt Text](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/bjv7458517lctftvls2f.png)

This technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique), the definition is quite simple:

> The technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.

For this technique, you have to divide estimated time to finish task. Break it down and set time each 25 minutes work on task with 5 minutes break, this will be one SMALL cycle. Repeat it until forth, total of 2 hours, and it will become one BIG cycle. Repeat the big cycle until you reach target and for every big cycle,  make sure to take a long 20 minutes break for your body and mind to rest.

This will allow you get into Deep Work zone, focus on task with zero distraction, it will silent phone or computer notifications from you mind.

## 2. Paradox of Choice

![Alt Text](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/9kdnd896p2vjz8r6y9jr.jpg)

This theory will be related more on decision-making, it was introduced by Barry Schwartz, a researcher and author. He suggested too much choice is stressful.

When you have too much task, you also will be stressful. Ask yourself - which task is urgent and which task is difficult. Collect task criteria upfront and cut down any unnecessary detail to narrow down decision which task need to do first. Take a deep breath and it will help you to decide which option is the best to move forward.

## 3. Don't Fight Back the Pressure

![Alt Text](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/3zepwjeqhudl92bk07o6.jpeg)

> There are studies, successful people is the result of smart working environments that avoid resistance in the first place.

It's normal if you ever feeling giving up when deadline is around the corner and it's okay! Don't think too hard on deadline instead redirect your energy on how you will encounter the deadline. Drink coffee, stay up late finish all the task and if you can't make in time, negotiate to delay the deadline. It's better to have discussion rather than keep quiet about the deadline.

Whatever you do, keep it cool and stay calm. You can see clear road in a good weather. Whenever I stress, I always said to myself, _No Pressure~_ 😉