Have you heard of Parkinson’s Law?
The law states that work expands to fill the time available for its completion.
For example, if you have a week to finish a presentation, you will take a week to complete.
If you have 3 hours for the same presentation, you will take 3 hours.
The fascinating piece of the law is how the “expansion” can manifest.
Some might fill the longer time by expanding the scope of the project.
Others might add meetings and research to expand the ideas.
Still others might expand psychological work with stress and tension thinking about getting it done.
My Perspective
In the last two months, I’ve had several reminders of Parkinson’s Law.
On the side of “filling the time” for long timeline work.
A project without a deadline that suddenly involved WAY more research than needed (overwork).
Postponing an assignment until the day before it was due (psychological).
On the side of “effective time” for time constrained work.
A project with limited hours for a very complex topic.
A quick turnaround point of view for a meeting the next day.
What I realized is that I was much more organized and productive with limited time.
This is why some say that a four-hour workday can work.
The four hours are planned with a keen awareness of what needs to be completed.
The timing of the hours is set for the time of day when the person is most productive.
This same rule could apply to activities at work or home.
Your Turn
Have you seen Parkinson’s Law in play in your life?
What projects are most likely to be given too much time?
What could you do to add constraints that avoid the unnecessary expansion?