No matter where you are in life, there are going to be deadlines. There are going to be due dates for your homework and projects, work obligations, taxes, driver’s licenses, and more. It’s vital to learn the importance of deadlines and sticking to them early on. Here are just a few consequences of constantly failing to meet those due dates.
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Potential for Low Grades
In school, you can see the direct result of late work in grades. Although some teachers will offer grace periods, this is not the case across the board. Some professors and teachers won’t accept late assignments at all and could result in a 0. Others take off a set amount of points every day the project or assignment is late.
Too many late projects, and you could result in a failing grade, causing you to retake the class. Too many failed classes could mean you’re held back a year in high school, put on probation, or even be forced to leave your college.
You’re Seen as Unreliable
Failing to turn in your projects on the deadline can definitely skew people’s opinions of you. They will see you as unreliable and it definitely will result in lost opportunities.
If you have a group project in high school or college, for example, your peers could report your inability to participate on time to your teacher, resulting in a lower grade. If you’re applying to college and turn in your application late, you’re much less likely to be accepted. In your job, you could be reprimanded by your boss or be fired. If you own your own business, you’ll likely lose clients by being unable to deliver in a timely manner and when you promised you would.
You Could Run into Legal Trouble
Deadlines exist in the “real world,” too, outside of school and work. Taxes are due on April 15th in the United States, failing to get them in can result in audits, fees, and other serious legal issues. If your driver’s license is coming up for renewal and you forget to renew it by the due date, you could be stuck unable to drive or be driving without a legal license.
And, of course, there are bills. Rent, car insurance, car payments, health insurance, and other expenses are due on certain dates. Not paying them on time will lead to late fees, lapsed insurance, eviction, and repossession. This can really damage your finances and your entire future if you let it get out of control.
What Do You Do if You Can’t Meet Deadlines?
Of course, there are going to be instances in your life where you will be unable to meet those deadlines. If you find yourself in this boat, it’s important to communicate. There may be some options – for taxes, for example, you can file for an extension. Talk to your teacher, professor, boss, bank, or whoever. There will be hard dates for deadlines that you can’t get around, but if you feel you’re going to be late on a project or bill, talk to the person in charge first.
Now that you know the importance of deadlines, start working on good habits now. Consistency and your newfound good habits will reap amazing results for your college education, grades, and the rest of your life.
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