Deadlines can be a significant source of stress for many individuals, but there are ways to make them work in favor of productivity and motivation. To avoid the negative impact of deadlines, it's essential to set realistic expectations, break down large projects into smaller tasks with specific deadlines, and use tools that help visualize progress. Additionally, finding an ideal level of stress, setting more urgent deadlines, sharing goals and progress with others, and turning meeting deadlines into a game can all contribute to managing stress and improving productivity. By understanding how deadlines affect us in different scenarios and choosing the right deadlines for each situation, individuals can harness the power of deadlines to achieve their goals.