Goals and Parkinson’s Law
I ran across an interesting idea recently about something called Parkinson’s Law that I have long suspected was true (and I bet you did too), I just hadn’t heard anyone articulate it as a “law”.
Parkinson’s Law goes something like this:
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Whatever project you’re working on or whatever goal you’re looking to achieve, it will end up taking all the time you allow it to… “Work expands to fill the time available for its completion.”
This concept was explained in great detail in a book published in 1957 called, “Parkinson’s Law: The Pursuit of Progress.”
Like a lot of profound ideas, it’s not hard to understand or believe. The first example that comes to mind for me is the last day before you go on vacation. Whatever is on our plate at work that HAS to get done, gets done. Same for pre-trip preparations, we become achievement machines when necessary to make sure the bags are packed and we’re walking out the door at the appointed time.
This is a great example behind the principle of setting the tasks in your Action Plan to due dates or deadlines. Whether it’s a career goal, a weight loss goal or a financial goal, without a due date Parkinson’s Law will rule and it will take you twice as long to achieve. And that’s the point, for you will be able to enjoy the benefits you originally sought sooner. So I encourage you to Draw the Bullseye, Create a Plan and set those tasks to deadlines. I say you deserve it! 🙂
