How do you manage a stressful deadline?

[Billiardsguy2006]

I was wondering if anybody could give me an insight. I have a difficult project underway....

[Trey Baird]

Sit down and write all of the steps that you need to take in order to get it finished. When I say "steps" I mean actions that you can take that will be less than 30 minutes of work.

Now identity when you want the project to be done by. Give yourself a buffer space so that you won't stress out if you aren't done by then. Then just spread out all of the steps periodically so that you have an idea of where you should be at what time.

[silicon toad2000]

as trey said, break down the task into smalled more managable tasks (assuming the task you have to complete is a large one).
make sure you know which of those sub tasks will be relying on input or results from a coworker and make sure you get them underway early and follow up with those coworkers before you need their data.
Depending how big the project is you might want to look into a gaant chart or a traffic light matrix to be able to visually manage the project easily.

If you get it all out of your head, broken up and planned onto paper it will become less stressful and all of the little timelines will make the deadline insignificant.

[Power]

I like to get rid of distractions. I promise myself not to do certain things until the project is done. From cutting off certain personal activities; watching less TV or news, limit my meetings with certain people, cutting down my time at the gym, etc.

Don't forget to reward yourself or make a promise to reward yourself once you finish the project. You can reward yourself every milestone achieved during the progress of the project.

I also try to find related motivational and inspirational resources that are linked with the project. Motivation and inspiration is very important.