On navigating academic deadlines (or I know it's not easy).
In a conversation with a PhD student, I was reminded of how I used to get stressed out by deadlines. It helped when my advisor stopped in, told me to relax, focus on what I could control, and that I would be ok.
He opined, "That deadline is going to happen, no matter what you do."
So don't panic.
Panicking will immobilize you.
Focus on solving the problem & doing your best can to meet the deadline.
Which is easier said than done.
So what to do? If caught in a pinch? & you miss a deadline?
First, own it.
Tell your advisor that the submission might not happen.
You'll be surprised. Usually, advisors will respond with aplomb.
"no problem - there will be other conferences."
Second, do your best.
It is better to send your advisor some work, than no work.
If you don't think it is good, let them know what the problems are.
Let your advisor asses if the problems are real or imagined.
Third, don't miss another deadline.
Missing one deadline is o. It happens to everyone. Missing multiple deadlines is not ok. Absent a good reason, many missed deadlines implies incompetence.
Fourth, most excuses don't matter.
Very few excuses for second missed deadlines matter. Why? Because you know the due date well in advance.
So, don't waste your advisor's time with "I was busy preparing for an exam" or "I focused on a paper for another person."
Yes, I've had someone tell me their work for someone else was more important. That conversation didn't end well.
Fifth, what are the excuses that matter?
Family issues
Health issues
Computer issues
Optimism, e.g., I was too optimistic.
But they can't be used too often or they are tuned out.
Excuses are best used sparingly.
Sixth, remember that most advisors have been exactly where you are.
They recall the panic and pressure of being a student.
They will understand if you own the problem (see point one).
They know that learning to own up to mistakes and manage deadlines is part of academic life.
Finally, pay the kindness forward.
My advisor stopping in that day and telling me that I would be ok was a kindness.
I can still remember him standing at the door to my office and suggesting a coping strategy.
His words helped.
He knew a missed deadline wasn't the end of the world. He was right.
For advisors, remember how you felt when faced with a deadline and how a few kind words can help your students manage that moment.
For students, I recognize that being told to focus on what you can control may feel absurd when a deadline is rushing at you - but it's true - 99 times out of 100 - you will be ok.
Best of luck & do your best to hit those deadlines in the coming semester!
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