Yes, the picture
of a dead-line is corny, but it got your attention. That’s what real deadlines
are designed to do.
When it comes to meeting
deadlines, there are three types of people. The first is the beaver, which
starts preparing for winter early and is ready in plenty of time. This is the
person who completes projects before they are due and can then relax, or the
one who registers for a conference in time to receive the early registration
discount. Even if the person decides not to register because of other
obligations, that decision is made early and deliberately.
Then comes the
squirrel. It runs around preparing for winter right up until there is no more
food to gather. But when the time comes, it is prepared. This person may stress
out by completing a project just before the deadline or may pay a penalty by
registering at the last minute. Even so, the squirrel makes its deadline.
The third type is
the rabbit. Some rabbits die in winter because they aren’t prepared for the harsh
conditions. This is the person who waits until the last minute and loses track
of time. When they finally remember to get it done, it is too late. The deadline
for the project has passed and it cost the employee a raise or the writer another
contract. Or conference registration has closed and the person discovers that
there is no squish in the deadline. This person didn’t intend to “wait until
next year” but has made that choice by his or her inaction.
Registration for
the Steel Pen Creative Writers’ Conference closes on October 15, and there is
no squish in it. The beavers registered during the early registration period,
and the squirrels either took advantage of regular registration prices or will
get it done before the deadline.
Then there are the
rabbits . . . Don’t be one.
Go to www.steelpenconference.org to register for this year’s conference. If you haven’t made up your mind yet,
that is also the place to go for more information. But don’t let inaction drive
your choice.
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