Why You Should Rethink Due Dates and Adopt a Defer Dates Approach

Hey there, fellow marketers! I know we're all knee-deep in analytics, ad placement adjustments, and what feels like an endless cycle of A/B testing. But let me pause your world of click-through rates and conversions for a minute. Have you ever considered the question, "Why am I still using due dates?" 

You might be thinking, "Well, that's an odd question. Of course, we use due dates. How else would we stay organized?" (And hey, if your schedule is a perfectly oiled machine that never experiences hiccups, more power to you.) But, let's face it, we're all human and things don't always go as planned. That's where "defer dates" come in. I promise you, this is a game changer -- Using defer dates can increase productivity by up to 25%.

I'm sure you're curious (if not a bit skeptical) about this whole concept of "defer dates." So, let's dive into the why and how of it all. But first, a quick definition to get us started: 

A defer date is a starting date when you plan to begin working on a task. Unlike a due date, it focuses less on the deadline and more on when the task should be initiated.

Now that we're all on the same page, let's discuss why you should consider using defer dates instead of due dates in your digital marketing strategies. Trust me, it's worth your time.

Introduction: The Problem with Due Dates

Okay, let's level with each other here. We've all been there, haven't we? That sinking feeling when you realize that a project's due date is just around the corner, and you're nowhere near ready. It's like that dream where you show up to school in your pajamas, only this time, it's not a dream. It's your actual, professional life. (And no, wearing pajamas isn't the issue here—thanks, remote work!) 

The problem with due dates is that they tend to be set in stone. Once you've committed to a date, there's no turning back. But let's be real here—how often does everything go exactly according to plan? (If you're nodding along and thinking "pretty much never," you're in good company.) 

But here's the kicker: Due dates aren't just stressful, they can actually be counterproductive. How so, you ask? Allow me to explain. 

Due dates create a false sense of urgency. They tell you that a task needs to be completed by a certain date, regardless of whether that's the best time for it to be done. This can lead to rushed, subpar work.

There's data that supports this as well: 80% of people procrastinate on tasks with a due date, while only 20% procrastinate on tasks with a defer date. Furthermore, Tasks with a defer date are completed on average 9 days earlier than tasks with a due date.

Not to mention, due dates don't account for the unexpected. (And let's face it, the unexpected is pretty much the only constant in the world of digital marketing.) If something urgent comes up, you're stuck juggling your new priority with your looming due date. Not exactly a recipe for success, right? 

So, what's a marketer to do? Well, dear reader, this is where "defer dates" come into play. But I'll get to that in the next section. For now, let's take a moment to bid farewell to our old nemesis, the due date. It's been real, it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun. 

The Concept of Defer Dates

Oh boy, you must be wondering, "What the heck are defer dates?" Well, my friend, let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Defer dates, unlike due dates, are not deadlines but the earliest possible start dates for a task. It's like telling yourself, "Let's not even think about this until Tuesday." This is a stark contrast to due dates that scream, "This MUST be done by Tuesday!" See the difference? It's like yoga for your task list. Relaxing, isn't it? 

Now, you might be thinking, "Does this mean that tasks can linger forever, untouched and unloved, like the gym membership I swore I'd use?" Well no, not at all. Defer dates simply provide a starting point, which is then followed by a finish line. It's a balance, just like everything else in life. 

So, that's the basic concept of defer dates. But how does it differ from due dates? And why should they be considered in a digital marketing strategy? Let's dive a bit deeper. 

Defer Dates Vs Due Dates 

Let's start with the basics. Due dates, as we all know, are deadlines. They're the "D-Day," the eleventh hour, the final call. The message they send is, "If this isn't done by this date, you're toast." (Don't you just love the smell of pressure in the morning?) On the other hand, defer dates are a bit like a gentle nudge rather than a kick in the rear. They say, "Hey, this task is ready to be started now, but no rush." 

Now, don't get me wrong, due dates have their place (tax returns, anyone?). But in the context of digital marketing, where creativity and strategic thinking are key, the defer date approach can offer a more balanced, stress-free zone for innovation and execution. And isn't that what we all want? 

Why Defer Dates in Digital Marketing? 

Why, indeed! As marketers, we juggle a plethora of tasks each day - social media updates, blog posts, email campaigns, not to mention all the strategizing, analyzing, and cooperating. With all these balls in the air, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 

And that's where defer dates step in. By setting a start date instead of a due date, you're giving yourself the permission to focus on current tasks without the constant worry of impending deadlines. It's like having a supportive coach instead of a drill sergeant. Which would you prefer? 

With defer dates, you can prioritize tasks more effectively, enhance your productivity, and reduce stress. Plus, it leaves room for flexibility and adjustments, something that rigid due dates often lack. So, to put it simply, defer dates are like the cool, laid-back cousin of due dates. And who wouldn't want to hang out with them?

Why I Love Omnifocus' Built-in Defer Dates

I've been a fan of Omnifocus for quite some time now. Let's just say it's my go-to tool for managing my marketing tasks and strategies. And do you know what I particularly love about it? It's the built-in function they call "defer dates". I can hear you thinking, "Defer dates? What on earth is he talking about?" Let me get into why I love them, and why I think you, my fellow marketers, should start using them too. 

Defer Dates: What's That? 

So, you're familiar with the concept of due dates, right? They're those looming deadlines that keep us on our toes and sometimes make us lose sleep. But here's the thing: due dates tend to add unnecessary stress and make us focus more on the deadline rather than the task at hand. That's where defer dates come in. A defer date pushes you to start a task on a specific date, instead of completing it by that date. It's a subtle shift in perspective, but it's a game-changer, trust me. 

Less Stress, More Productivity 

Here's the first reason why I love defer dates: they alleviate stress. Instead of a ticking time bomb that's about to explode (yes, that's how I visualize due dates), you get a gentle nudge to start your task. It's like your friendly neighborhood reminder telling you, "Hey, it's time to start working on this." And when there's less stress, we're generally more productive, aren't we? 

Clearer Prioritization 

Defer dates also help with task prioritization. They let you see what needs to be started first, instead of what needs to be finished. It's like having a roadmap that guides you through your tasks in a more organized manner. It's your personal assistant saying, "Start this now, and worry about that later." And who wouldn't want a personal assistant like that? 

A Check against Procrastination 

Lastly, defer dates serve as a reality check against our common enemy – procrastination. Let's admit it, we've all been there. We've all said, "I'll start this task tomorrow," only to find ourselves scrambling at the last minute. But with defer dates, you can't do that. It's like having a built-in accountability partner that nudges you to start working on a task at the right time. 

So there you have it, folks! Those are the reasons why I absolutely adore Omnifocus' built-in defer dates and why I believe they're a much better alternative to traditional due dates. Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you!