While estimating a task, you might be tempted to commit to the first deadline that comes to mind. But wait, resist that temptation.
See how your past tasks went. In a similar situation, how close your estimates were to actuals? If your actuals keep overshooting your estimates, your self-confidence will take a hit. You’ll also be perceived as someone who’s not reliable, further leading to loss of potential opportunities as your timelines can’t really be counted on.
Luke: All right, I’ll give it a try.
Yoda: No. Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.
Don’t try. When you know the timeline might not be feasible, speak up. Saying “I’ll try” is setting yourself up for failure. Push for realistic timelines. That’s what your manager wants. Predictability. Setting the right expectations. Someone who delivers on the agreed timeline is very valuable. Make everyone’s life easy, love.
Add a buffer before committing to a deadline and then follow it religiously. If some unknowns pop up, you have the buffer to deal with them. If everything goes on smoothly, you earn brownie points by delivering ahead of time. Underpromise, overdeliver.