Importance of internal deadlines?

The importance of internal deadlines is emphasized in the creative process, particularly in the completion phase of a project. According to Rick Rubin, having an internal deadline can be beneficial because it aids in focusing the project towards completion without negatively affecting its creative elements. Internal deadlines help define a timeframe for finishing the work, which can prevent projects from extending beyond what is necessary, potentially to their detriment. Rubin has noted that in his experience, without internal deadlines, projects might take longer than necessary, not necessarily improving the project's outcome. Furthermore, he suggests setting internal deadlines for oneself and maintaining flexibility, especially if new discoveries are made that could enhance the project significantly, even if it means not adhering strictly to the initial deadline. This flexibility allows for adaptation to new information or creative directions that may emerge late in the project's development 1.