Here's how you can navigate unexpected changes or delays that impact your deadlines.

You know––sometimes you just have to write faster. When that happens, use your adrenaline to activate your senses. At the same time, control your breath and allow yourself [read force yourself] to focus. The focus will bring your best forward. Strategize what to write 1st, 2nd and 3rd. What can be left out? What can be written quickly? Do your best, and know that it's just writing. Not the end of the world.

Delays sometimes are inevitable due to unforeseen circumstances. As a writer, I have found myself in projects that were delayed due to oversight, complex tasks, or unresolved issues. It is best to inform clients about delays and potential impact of the delay in the short and long-term. I focus on providing solutions that support client expectations but also provides me to formulate a plan that helps me move ahead in the project. For example- Provide a 5-day work plan and assessment to clients that ensures them the delay has been identified, a plan has been established that can be clearly executed. Evaluation of potential delays is key to a successful writing project.

As a writer, I often provide a heads-up or communicate to stakeholders who would be impacted by projected delays. Communicating early to my clients about risks for delays has helped build a trustworthy and lasting professional relationship. I recommend to communicate key risks factors that may delay the project in advance. This helps clients and other stakeholders assess and mitigate risks factors in writing projects. A quality writing deliverables may sometimes require intensive review and quality checks. This may require more than expected. In such instances, it is ideal to communicate to the client about delay in timelines.

Tight timelines, high-quality expectations, and multiple stakeholders? This seems like a usual writing project? I often seek advice from my mentor or manager who provides a ad-hoc plan that suits the client’s expectations and timelines. In most cases, resource reallocation and adjustment in tasks leads to development of realistic timelines and delivering high-quality writing deliverables. For example- I have often observed my manager would put low-risk low priority projects on hold or reallocate resources to a high-risk, high-priority writing deliverable. This approach has helped in accommodating tight timelines and providing the best possible outcome.

I’m fortunate to use a project management tool that helps me visualize (Gantt chart) my upcoming, overdue, and in-progress wiring projects. However, I recommend using a note-pad or excel file for those who are not familiar with or have the resources to use a project management tool/software. Organizing and prioritizing tasks can help identify any risks, potential delays, and complete daily tasks on priority. Software tools has helped me mitigate any delays in upcoming writing projects.

One may have the best technological tools or software to identify and mitigate risks. However, seeking support from peers or mentors has been one of the instrumental strategies for me to overcome disputes or challenges during a writing project. I often communicate and seek advice from my peers to understand complex projects, case-based scenarios, and conflicts. Seeking support from professional or like-minded peers has helped me overcome the struggles of a writer in the corporate sector.

Navigating unexpected changes or delays that impact your deadlines requires a high degree of flexibility and agility, especially as a freelancer. Freelancers must adapt quickly to shifting client needs and project scopes, often working with organizations that have specific and evolving demands. Staying agile means being proactive in communication, promptly informing clients of any potential delays, and proposing revised timelines or alternative solutions. It also involves being prepared to pivot your approach, re-prioritize tasks, and sometimes extend your working hours to meet new expectations.