Come Join Steven & Friends TONIGHT for the Topic "Deadlines" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
9 hours ago
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Deadlines"

"Deadlines. We all have them, even if we are retired, unemployed, disabled, or otherwise free from most engagements. From waking up on time, making it to appointments, or simply taking medications at the right time, we all have deadlines. The question is, how do we ensure we meet them promptly, with all necessary criteria, and without an undue struggle? How do we set deadlines for ourselves, follow deadlines that others set for us, and set deadlines for others in our life without being too demanding?"

Setting deadlines and Mental Health. Prioritize tasks, break large projects into smaller steps, and build in buffer time for your timeline. Use organizational tools like to-do lists, communicate your needs with a manager or colleague, and take short breaks to manage stress and maintain focus. It's also crucial to prioritize your mental health by practicing mindfulness and recognizing when you need support.

How to Balance Multiple Deadlines

Manage your workflow

Organize and prioritize: Use tools like calendars and to-do lists to organize tasks and prioritize them by importance and urgency.
Break down projects: Divide large projects into smaller, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming and easier to track progress.
Set realistic timelines: Be realistic about how long tasks will take. If you have difficulty with time perception, meet with a supervisor or job coach to help estimate timelines.
Ask for written instructions: If you struggle with concentration, request tasks be assigned in writing to help you remember and focus.

Manage your mental state

Take breaks: Schedule short, frequent breaks to stretch, walk, or do a breathing exercise like box breathing to reset your nervous system and prevent burnout.
Practice mindfulness: Use techniques like meditation to stay present and manage overwhelming thoughts and anxiety related to deadlines.
Communicate your needs: Talk to your manager or a "stress buddy" at work to discuss your concerns and ask for support or adjustments.
Seek reasonable accommodations: If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations, such as a part-time schedule or flexible hours, under laws like the ADA.

Advocate for yourself

Prioritize your well-being: Remember that your mental health is not expendable. A balanced mind is more efficient for tackling any challenge.
Focus on the outcome: Visualize the successful completion of your tasks to help improve your mood and motivation.
Talk to your employer: In a supportive work environment, you can talk to your employer about the pressure you feel. They may be able to help adjust workload or provide other support.

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Peer Support Group Mid-Week Musings as we discuss deadlines, how to develop them, set them, and encourage them in others.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), October 29, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.