Most of us are taught to take our time in business. Plan carefully. Review everything twice. But sometimes, the fastest way forward is to put yourself under a little bit of pressure.++
I was reminded of this today at Trident High School. I had one hour with their business studies group — and in that hour, we set out to build a digital C-suite and a business plan for a start-up from scratch.
It sounds ambitious, and it was. But that’s the point.
(Yip we used ChatGPT to suggest what a stereotypical accountant looks like…)
The Freedom of a Tight Timeframe
When the clock is ticking, you don’t have time for perfectionism or overthinking. You make decisions, move forward, and see where they take you.
Teenagers do this naturally. They’re not bogged down by years of corporate habits like calling another meeting or drafting a 20-page proposal. They just start building — and they keep going until the job is done.
That urgency creates momentum. And in business, momentum is often more valuable than a perfectly polished plan.
Why Business Owners Should Try It
In a market where speed often wins over size, setting a “ridiculous deadline” can:
Force clarity — You quickly separate essential tasks from nice-to-haves.
Spark creativity — Limited time encourages unconventional thinking.
Cut through red tape — Fewer layers of approval mean faster progress.
Boost confidence — You realise just how much you can achieve in a short space.
How to Make It Work in Your Business
You don’t need a classroom or a team of teenagers to try this. Pick one project — something you’ve been putting off — and:
Set a timer — One hour or one day. Keep it non-negotiable.
Limit the team — Three people max, so decisions happen fast.
Define the output — One clear deliverable, not a perfect plan.
Commit to action — No extra research or meetings until the clock stops.
Looking Ahead
Not every project suits this approach. But if you’re stuck, stalled, or waiting for the “perfect moment,” a ridiculous deadline might be the shake-up you need. You might be surprised at how energising it feels — and how much gets done when you simply start.
Curious how to bring that kind of clarity and speed to your strategy? Let’s talk about it.