Don’t Fall For Time Optimism

What is time optimism? Simply put, it’s being optimistic about how long a project, job or task will take. Some artists & designers fall into this trap naturally & honestly, just by not being not fully aware of how long things take. Other times, we as creatives can fall prey to time optimism when trying to rush a job to completion. This can happen to please a client, rush to meet a deadline, or because we are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work that we have on our plate at any given moment.

This goes back to a previous blog post about being honest with ourselves about how how long tasks take. Rather than convincing yourself that you can get that painting don’t in 4 hours instead of 16, the bedroom design done in 2 days not 5, the photos edited in a 3 week time frame not 6, or that proposal out by EOD, its much better to be honest, not fall prey to time optimism. Accept that its going to take the 16 hours, the 5 days, the 6 weeks, or 2 full business days that past precedent has shown you it will take.

What’s better, as creatives who are almost always producing work for clients, is to give them a range that you know you can deliver within, and then surprise them with an early completion. This takes honest and upfront communication with them that their anticipated goal may be unrealistic. Many times, as long as communication is open, the interaction can be successful. And on the creative end, not feeling rushed and overwhelmed will result in a better creative process for you.