This refers to the idea that we are constantly being told that something needs to be done right away, even if it's not actually urgent. It's a way of manipulating people into thinking that they need to prioritize a certain task or project over others, even if it's not actually necessary.
Stop letting unreasonable clients or managers dictate your work. Remember, if you're not happy with a project or a client, it's okay to say no.
Look for some of these signs:
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Unrealistic timelines - If the client or manager wants the project done in an impossibly short amount of time, it's a red flag. The only thing that should be pressing is the gas pedal when you drive away from this project.
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Lack of clear instructions - If the client or manager can't clearly explain what they want, it's a sign of an unreasonable request. "If you can't clearly explain it, you don't understand it."
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Compounding deadlines - If the client or manager keeps adding more and more deadlines, it may be a sign of unreasonable expectations. The idea is that once we have met one deadline, we are immediately faced with another, and another, and so on. It's a never-ending cycle of having to meet deadlines, which can be stressful and overwhelming.
We are taught to prioritize getting things done over taking the time to think about what we're doing and why we're doing it. This can lead to a sense of disconnection from our own values and priorities, as well as a sense of being overwhelmed and stressed out.
It's important to remember that while it's paramount to be productive and to meet deadlines, it's also essential to take the time to reflect on what we're doing and to ensure that our priorities are aligned with our values. By being mindful of fake urgency and compounding deadlines, we can work to maintain a sense of balance and connection to our own goals and priorities.