Parkinson’s law states that work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.&nbsp;

What is Parkinson’s Law?

Time management described through Parkinson’s Law is comprised of three fundamental truths of human behaviour: to do our best, be happy, and to act only when motivated.

Parkinson’s Law is layered, like an onion

We all strive to be happy. Once happy, happier. According to The Law of Expectations, happiness is equal to reality minus our expectations.Expectations lead to stress, making us less happy. But, although low expectations may leave us contented, they are of no help when scaling a business or writing an article. We need to feel the squeeze of a deadline in order to act.

Being happy

<a href='https://www.healthline.com/health/yerkes-dodson-law#how-the-law-works' class="idea-content-link" target='_blank' rel="noreferrer">Yerkes-Dodson Law tells us that levels of performance peak somewhere in between low and high levels of stress (arousal). Too little and we feel unmotivated to act, too much and we crumble under the pressure. </a> <a href='https://www.healthline.com/health/yerkes-dodson-law#how-the-law-works' class="idea-content-link" target='_blank' rel="noreferrer">Yerkes Law is a bell curve that peaks somewhere near the middle of a deadline</a>

Acting only when motivated

<ol><li>Set your end range.</li><li>List all the steps to get there</li><li>Cut the deadline into 3–5 mini-deadlines.</li><li>Finalize your nuanced deadline</li></ol>

How to use Parkinson’s Law

<figure><img alt="Image of a coffee mug with the word “begin” printed on it sitting on a wooden table." src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*K4jpuQlrmq_" width="680" height="453"><figcaption class="ie if cz cx cy ig ih ce b gb cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@dsmacinnes?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ii" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Danielle MacInnes</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral" class="ck ii" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure>Whether it’s submitting a draft, meeting with clients, or rushing out the door, being late sucks.It’s stressful and nobody likes it.As entrepreneurs, time management is our currency. Many of us balance life commitments with multiple side hustles, and more commonly than we let on, day jobs. Just like real currency, how we manage time has the ability to help or hurt us.Here’s why deadlines are tricky and how to make them simple.<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Why we feel perpetually rushed</h1>Setting your own schedule means the freedom to sleep in or take a few hours of “you time” in the middle of the day. It also means waking up in a panic because you didn’t do that thing you were supposed to. “Shoot!”The ability to set and meet deadlines is imperative to our success. So, why are so many of us perpetually behind schedule?There is an old adage that explains how our actions naturally expand to fill the time we allot them. This layered truism is known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_law" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Parkinson’s Law.</a> It is responsible for marathon study sessions, low Uber ratings, and the bold-faced lie of “I’ll just be five more minutes”.<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">What is Parkinson’s Law?</h1>In short, Parkinson’s Law states that,<BLOCKQUOTE>“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion” — C. Northcote Parkinson</BLOCKQUOTE>Although not a scientific law, Parkinson’s Law, made popular by the book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1448236.Parkinson_s_Law" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">“Parkison’s Law”</a> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Northcote_Parkinson" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">C. Northcote Parkison</a> is widely accepted as truth. It has been studied and most notably applied to the world of business.Think of a time you’ve procrastinated. I’ll use the example of this very article. It is currently Wednesday. I’ve set a deadline for myself to have it completed and submitted to <a href="https://medium.com/swlh" rel="noopener" dir="ltr">“Start it up”</a> by Sunday at 10:00 AM.Knowing how long it takes me to write an article I can safely say that I’m ahead of schedule.But, Parkinson’s Law states that because I have until Sunday, it will take me until Sunday, no sooner.Knowing that I have until Sunday to complete my article I may push my first draft to Friday. Or, being that I have already begun, I may begin to expand my research and make the article unnecessarily complex. Regardless of the path, it is safe to say that I will have this article ready for submission Sunday morning, minutes before my deadline.<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Parkinson’s Law is layered, like an onion</h1>Time management is nuanced, having many layers. If handled correctly, it can add robust flavour to your life. If not, it will make you cry.Time management described through Parkinson’s Law is comprised of three fundamental truths of human behaviour: to do our best, be happy, and to act only when motivated.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">1. Doing our best</h2><a href="https://www2.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/materials/phil/Payne/winter2005/265/Kantmoraltheory.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Kant’s Moral Theory</a> is a philosophical theory that deems a person’s greatest value is that of their morality. Being that our experiences and creations are an extension of how we are perceived, we want them to be as close to perfect as possible. This sense of perfectionism causes us to <a rel="noopener" href="https://medium.com/technical-excellence/23-ways-to-create-an-obsessive-writing-practice-867c2795fbe1" dir="ltr">procrastinate</a>, overthink, and ultimately spend more time than is necessary.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">2. Being happy</h2>We all strive to be happy. Once happy, happier. According to <a href="https://www.noomii.com/articles/5552-happiness-reality-expectations" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">The Law of Expectations</a>, happiness is equal to reality minus our expectations.<figure><img alt="Visual representation of the formula happiness equals reality minus expectations." src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*QoiQQjw1-4eH4wfa9-ZLzA.png" width="680" height="136"><figcaption class="ie if cz cx cy ig ih ce b gb cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Image created by author on <a href="https://www.canva.com/" class="ck ii" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Canva.com</a></figcaption></figure>Expectations lead to stress, making us less happy. But, although low expectations may leave us contented, they are of no help when scaling a business or writing an article. We need to feel the squeeze of a deadline in order to act.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">3. Acting only when motivated</h2><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/yerkes-dodson-law#how-the-law-works" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Yerkes-Dodson Law</a> tells us that levels of performance peak somewhere in between low and high levels of stress (arousal). Too little and we feel unmotivated to act, too much and we crumble under the pressure. Yerkes Law is a bell curve that peaks somewhere near the middle of a deadline. As we know, pressure makes diamonds.<figure><img alt="Visual representation of Yerkes-Dodson Law showing a bell curve." src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*PkHujYx06OQa_3ke_krRyQ.png" width="680" height="416"><figcaption class="ie if cz cx cy ig ih ce b gb cg fi" data-selectable-paragraph="" dir="ltr">Depiction of Yerkes-Dodson Law from <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/yerkes-dodson-law" class="ck ii" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">Healthline.com</a></figcaption></figure><h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">Bonus: positive reinforcement works</h2>Deadlines should be challenging yet achievable. If unachievable it is in our nature to give up. <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_rober_the_super_mario_effect_tricking_your_brain_into_learning_more/transcript?language=en" rel="noopener nofollow" dir="ltr">The Super Mario effect</a> is an experiment conducted by famous Youtuber, Mark Rober. The results showed that the more encouraged participants felt to complete a certain task, the more times they tried, and ultimately the more successful they were.<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">How to use Parkinson’s Law (with examples)</h1>Knowing about the double-edged sword that is Parkinson's Law is only half the battle. The other half is learning how to wield it.So, here’s how to use Parkinson’s Law to meet deadlines like a pro…<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">First, set your end range…</h2>No weapon can be wielded without understanding its capabilities. Estimate a range of how long your task or project may take. Be specific as to set a visible finish line.Example: I want this article to be completed by Sunday at 10:00 AM at the very latest.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">Second, list all the steps to get there…</h2>Anyone can pick their sword up and swing but what details are needed to carry out a lethal blow? What could go wrong and how will you course correct? Jot down anything and everything.Example: First draft, break, re-visit, walk away, re-visit, fine-tune, shop for publication, find image, adjust SEO, obsess over headline, etc.<h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">Third, cut the deadline into 3–5 mini deadlines…</h2>Remember the Super Mario Effect and Yerkes-Dodson’s Law. Mini deadlines give us consistent motivation without feeling defeated. Exaggerate the time each deadline will take.**If you’re enjoying the sword metaphor, you can think of it as forging a weapon…Example:<UL><LI>First draft (1–2 hours) — Collect your materials and melt your steel</LI><LI>Take a break (1 hour) — Pour molten steel into forge and let it cool</LI><LI>Revisit #1 (1.5 hours) — Remove from forge and hammer</LI><LI>Take a break (1 hour) — Cool in cold water</LI><LI>Revisit #2 (1 hour) — Hammer and shape</LI><LI>Fine-tune (1 hour) — Finish shaping</LI><LI>Headline (1 hour) — Polish and grind</LI><LI>Pub shop, image, and SEO (1 hour) — Sharpen and engrave</LI></UL><h2 data-selectable-paragraph="">Fourth, finalize your nuanced deadline…</h2>Set in stone the steps to achieve your final deadline. If you believe you can finish it sooner and would like to, record the adjusted time. Remember that the time you allot yourself is likely how long it will take.Example:Wednesday: Begin article and finish first draftThursday: Re-visit and shapeFriday: Re-visit again and finish final draftSaturday: Shape, fine-tune, begin headlineSunday: Finish headline, pub shop, and submit by 10:00 AM!<h1 data-selectable-paragraph="">Key takeaways:</h1>When building a business, brand, or running a side-hustle, time management is imperative for success.Entrepreneurship allows us freedom but can act as a double-edged sword. Wield it like a pro by:<UL><LI>Understanding Parkinson’s law (things take as long as you give them)</LI><LI>We naturally procrastinate and won’t act until we have to</LI><LI>Pressure makes diamonds but too much will crush them</LI><LI>Break down deadlines into mini deadlines</LI><LI>Be thorough in your planning</LI><LI>Stick to your plan</LI><LI>Own your freedom</LI></UL>

As entrepreneurs, time management is a double-edged sword.  Learn how to wield it like a pro by understanding Parkinson's Law.

productivity

Productivity

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

timemanagement

Time Management

Whether it’s submitting a draft, meeting with clients, or rushing out the door, being late sucks.

It’s stressful and nobody likes it.

As entrepreneurs, time management is our currency. Many of us balance life commitments with multiple side hustles, and more commonly than we let on, day jobs. Just like real currency, how we manage time has the ability to help or hurt us.

Here’s why deadlines are tricky and how to make them simple.

Setting your own schedule means the freedom to sleep in or take a few hours of “you time” in the middle of the day. It also means waking up in a panic because you didn’t do that thing you were supposed to. “Shoot!”

The ability to set and meet deadlines is imperative to our success. So, why are so many of us perpetually behind schedule?

There is an old adage that explains how our actions naturally expand to fill the time we allot them. This layered truism is known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkinson%27s_law">Parkinson’s Law. </a>It is responsible for marathon study sessions, low Uber ratings, and the bold-faced lie of“I’ll just be five more minutes”.

In short, Parkinson’s Law states that,

“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion” — C. Northcote Parkinson

Although not a scientific law, Parkinson’s Law, made popular by the book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1448236.Parkinson_s_Law">“Parkison’s Law” </a>by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Northcote_Parkinson">C. Northcote Parkison </a>is widely accepted as truth. It has been studied and most notably applied to the world of business.

Think of a time you’ve procrastinated. I’ll use the example of this very article. It is currently Wednesday. I’ve set a deadline for myself to have it completed and submitted to <a href="https://medium.com/swlh">“Start it up” </a> by Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Knowing how long it takes me to write an article I can safely say that I’m ahead of schedule.

But, Parkinson’s Law states that because I have until Sunday, it will take me until Sunday, no sooner.

Knowing that I have until Sunday to complete my article I may push my first draft to Friday. Or, being that I have already begun, I may begin to expand my research and make the article unnecessarily complex. Regardless of the path, it is safe to say that I will have this article ready for submission Sunday morning, minutes before my deadline.

Time management is nuanced, having many layers. If handled correctly, it can add robust flavour to your life. If not, it will make you cry.

Time management described through Parkinson’s Law is comprised of three fundamental truths of human behaviour: to do our best, be happy, and to act only when motivated.

<a href="https://www2.bellevuecollege.edu/artshum/materials/phil/Payne/winter2005/265/Kantmoraltheory.htm">Kant’s Moral Theory </a>is a philosophical theory that deems a person’s greatest value is that of their morality. Being that our experiences and creations are an extension of how we are perceived, we want them to be as close to perfect as possible. This sense of perfectionism causes us to <a href="https://medium.com/technical-excellence/23-ways-to-create-an-obsessive-writing-practice-867c2795fbe1">procrastinate </a>, overthink, and ultimately spend more time than is necessary.

We all strive to be happy. Once happy, happier. According to <a href="https://www.noomii.com/articles/5552-happiness-reality-expectations">The Law of Expectations </a>, happiness is equal to reality minus our expectations.

Expectations lead to stress, making us less happy. But, although low expectations may leave us contented, they are of no help when scaling a business or writing an article. We need to feel the squeeze of a deadline in order to act.

<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/yerkes-dodson-law#how-the-law-works">Yerkes-Dodson Law </a>tells us that levels of performance peak somewhere in between low and high levels of stress (arousal). Too little and we feel unmotivated to act, too much and we crumble under the pressure. Yerkes Law is a bell curve that peaks somewhere near the middle of a deadline. As we know, pressure makes diamonds.

Deadlines should be challenging yet achievable. If unachievable it is in our nature to give up. <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_rober_the_super_mario_effect_tricking_your_brain_into_learning_more/transcript?language=en">The Super Mario effect </a>is an experiment conducted by famous Youtuber, Mark Rober. The results showed that the more encouraged participants felt to complete a certain task, the more times they tried, and ultimately the more successful they were.

How to use Parkinson’s Law (with examples)

Knowing about the double-edged sword that is Parkinson's Law is only half the battle. The other half is learning how to wield it.

So, here’s how to use Parkinson’s Law to meet deadlines like a pro…

No weapon can be wielded without understanding its capabilities. Estimate a range of how long your task or project may take. Be specific as to set a visible finish line.

Example: I want this article to be completed by Sunday at 10:00 AM at the very latest.

Second, list all the steps to get there…

Anyone can pick their sword up and swing but what details are needed to carry out a lethal blow? What could go wrong and how will you course correct? Jot down anything and everything.

Example: First draft, break, re-visit, walk away, re-visit, fine-tune, shop for publication, find image, adjust SEO, obsess over headline, etc.

Third, cut the deadline into 3–5 mini deadlines…

Remember the Super Mario Effect and Yerkes-Dodson’s Law. Mini deadlines give us consistent motivation without feeling defeated. Exaggerate the time each deadline will take.

**If you’re enjoying the sword metaphor, you can think of it as forging a weapon…

<ul><li>First draft (1–2 hours) — Collect your materials and melt your steel </li><li>Take a break (1 hour) — Pour molten steel into forge and let it cool </li><li>Revisit #1 (1.5 hours) — Remove from forge and hammer </li><li>Take a break (1 hour) — Cool in cold water </li><li>Revisit #2 (1 hour) — Hammer and shape </li><li>Fine-tune (1 hour) — Finish shaping </li><li>Headline (1 hour) — Polish and grind </li><li>Pub shop, image, and SEO (1 hour) — Sharpen and engrave </li> </ul>

Fourth, finalize your nuanced deadline…

Set in stone the steps to achieve your final deadline. If you believe you can finish it sooner and would like to, record the adjusted time. Remember that the time you allot yourself is likely how long it will take.

Wednesday: Begin article and finish first draft

Thursday: Re-visit and shape

Friday: Re-visit again and finish final draft

Saturday: Shape, fine-tune, begin headline

Sunday: Finish headline, pub shop, and submit by 10:00 AM!

When building a business, brand, or running a side-hustle, time management is imperative for success.

Entrepreneurship allows us freedom but can act as a double-edged sword. Wield it like a pro by:

<ul><li>Understanding Parkinson’s law (things take as long as you give them) </li><li>We naturally procrastinate and won’t act until we have to </li><li>Pressure makes diamonds but too much will crush them </li><li>Break down deadlines into mini deadlines </li><li>Be thorough in your planning </li><li>Stick to your plan </li><li>Own your freedom </li> </ul>

How to Make Time Management Your Secret Weapon

What is Parkinson’s Law?

Parkinson’s Law is layered, like an onion

Being happy

Acting only when motivated

How to use Parkinson’s Law

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