Do You Prefer Finishing Tasks Early or Working Better Under Pressure?
By @mayka123
@mayka123 (17210)
India
August 5, 2026 7:49am CST
I've realised that I'm definitely someone who likes to finish my work well before the deadline. If I know I have an important task due in a few days, I feel much more relaxed if I can complete it early. That way, I have enough time to read through it again, make changes if needed and not worry about rushing at the last minute.
Of course, life doesn't always go according to plan. There have been times when unexpected things have come up and I've had no choice but to work under pressure. Surprisingly, I've still managed to get everything done. But I have to admit, I don't enjoy that feeling. I find it stressful, and I don't think I produce my best work when I'm racing against the clock.
I know quite a few people who actually thrive under pressure. They say the closer the deadline, the more focused and productive they become. I often wonder how they do it because I'd be far too anxious!
What about you? Do you like getting your work finished well in advance, or are you someone who works best when the deadline is almost here? Has your approach changed over the years, or have you always been the same?
Pic courtesy : Canva
7 people like this
10 responses
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
7 Aug
I'm very much the same. I prefer getting things finished well before the deadline rather than leaving them until the last minute. Even if I can work under pressure when necessary, I find it far less stressful when everything is done early. It also gives me time to check my work instead of rushing.
1 person likes this
@Aquitaine24 (12332)
• San Jose, California
14 Aug
@mayka123 It makes more sense because otherwise you will have less time than required.
1 person likes this
@Aquitaine24 (12332)
• San Jose, California
5 Aug
I prefer to finish tasks early.
2 people like this
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
18 Aug
I think it can depend a lot on the type of work we're doing. Some tasks are easy to finish quickly even when there's pressure, while creative work often benefits from having more time. Writing is definitely one of those things where I prefer having enough time to think, edit and come back to it with fresh eyes. I can imagine woodworking requires patience too, especially when you want the finished piece to turn out just right.
@Traceyjayne (13971)
• United Kingdom
4 Sep
I feel I do work well under pressure but if finishing early means I get more time for myself or my family then that's always a great option. I still like to get the job done properly though.
1 person likes this
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
8 Sep
I'm the same. I can work well under pressure when I have to, but I still prefer getting things finished early. That way I'm not constantly thinking about what I still have left to do, and any extra time becomes mine to enjoy. I agree with you about doing the job properly, though. There's no point finishing early if I've rushed through something and I'm not happy with the result. For me, the ideal situation is getting it done properly, getting it done early, and then being able to relax without work hanging over my head!
@Dreamerby (10388)
• Calcutta, India
12 Aug
I sometimes work better under pressure.
1 person likes this
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
13 Aug
I think a little pressure can sometimes help us focus and get things done faster. I've had times when an approaching deadline made me surprisingly productive! But I still prefer finishing things early whenever possible because too much pressure can quickly turn into stress. I suppose it's all about finding the amount of pressure that works for you.
@Jehanne (2475)
• Philippines
6 Aug
Since the day I signed my contract I'm already aware that we are required to work under pressure.
I organized my work based on what transaction need to prio/urgent. My approach in my work over the years hasn't changed instead I set more boundaries because it's important as well not to be taken advantage.
2 people like this
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
7 Aug
That sounds like a sensible approach. Prioritising urgent work while setting healthy boundaries is important, especially in a demanding job. It's good that you've stayed organised over the years but also learned not to let work take over your personal time. Finding that balance can make a big difference in the long run.
1 person likes this
@xstitcher (40347)
• Petaluma, California
10 Aug
I like to finish things early. It doesn't always happen, but I like to.
@DaddyEvil (178601)
• United States
5 Aug
When I still worked, I preferred getting my stuff done early so I didn't have to keep thinking about it.
@Ineeddentures (45014)
•
5 Aug
What is pressure?
Lol
Seriously I like getting things done on time
Even when I sleep in like today
I posted about my unplanned oversleep
Lol
My approach has never altered
And it's worked for me
1 person likes this
@mayka123 (17210)
• India
9 Aug
I think once you find an approach that works for you, there is no reason to change it. Getting things done on time certainly keeps a lot of unnecessary pressure away. And an occasional oversleep isn't going to ruin a routine that has worked for years! Sometimes our bodies simply decide we need that extra sleep.
1 person likes this
