Deadlines.

Sometimes we place deadlines on ourselves and sometimes people and institutions place them upon us. Either way, deadlines can be a positive concept to welcome into our lives.

I was recently given a deadline which not only gave me an opportunity, but also significant motivation to ensure certain goals will be met by a particular date. The specific deadline is far sooner than I wished for, but it could have been far more immediate, so I am thankful that I at least have time to make my goals come to fruition and a concrete period in which to complete my tasks. 

The funny thing about deadlines is that they impose an expectation. If we are expected to produce or complete something, we must be proactive, something must be cultivated, and sitting and doing nothing is not an option. If the deadline does not involve us taking action, but rather is asking us to be patient so that someone else can do something by a particular time, then arguably, it is easier for the latter deadline.

Either way, deadlines can teach us something about ourselves. During the journey leading up to the deadline, we discover what we are truly capable of if we apply ourselves, and we also discover our ability to be patient, have faith and give time to people, projects, etc. that may be on a different time schedule than we are. During this waiting process, we also come to learn what we are passionate about. In other words, what are we willing to wait for? With reference to the former, what are we willing to sacrifice?

The tricky part about setting deadlines yourself is that you have to have the discipline to place either consequences or rewards on your progress (or lack thereof). What I mean by rewards is that too often we take for granted that we met the deadline, completed the necessary task, and we forget to reward ourselves for the success. I would encourage you, as I need to continue to remind myself to do, to reward yourself. Perhaps with a day off or maybe give yourself that perceived "luxury item" you have had your eye on. Give yourself a reason to purchase it, which will give you motivation, but then follow through after you do meet the deadline and give yourself permission to be rewarded. Our confidence is built gradually, and when we can find the willpower to motivate ourselves when nobody else is checking in, that is a powerful skill you give yourself and a reminder of how capable you are when you set significant goals to accomplish. 

So a deadline - definitely a good thing. See it for the opportunity that it is, to make progress, to push yourself, to reach your full potential. 

Somewhat of a deadline is being prepared to go on live television, and I had the opportunity to do this twice this past week when I visited Portland. I want to thank those of you who watched it live via KATU's "live feed", and for those who checked it out on the blog or via Instagram. I was excited to have the opportunity to share with you exactly what shopping for a Spring Capsule Menu looked like, and I hope you saw that you too can welcome this life simplifying skill into your life. Whether you are cooking for yourself, as I am, or cooking for a family, having a Capsule Menu has many benefits, not only for health, but the budget as well as the enjoyment we can take in the kitchen preparing meals. The full segment is available to watch below. (You can view my segment on Afternoon Live in which I discuss Daily Routines here.)

Speaking of spring, Sunday morning, TSLL Spring Shopping Guide will be delivered to your inboxes full of shoppable items directly linked from the guide and trends organized by "Save" or "Splurge". I don't know about you, but I am ready to freshen up my wardrobe for the coming months of warmth and sunshine.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend, and for those celebrating Passover or Easter this weekend and in the coming week, may your celebrations and gatherings be lovely, memorable and delicious. May you find some time for you this weekend to explore, relax and enjoy. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog.

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