Deadlines are the limits before which time-bound tasks must be completed. Many tasks may be "urgent", that is, the results of the tasks may be desired or required immediately or as soon as possible. Deadlines, on the other hand, have hard stops. While the task may be completed any time before the deadline, the task may not go beyond the deadline without consequences.

Deadlines are very useful in that they force results. "Urgent" tasks demand attention and even action but do not necessarily get the right results, especially if there is no time to think things through and find the best solution. With "urgent" tasks, the first solution is usually a temporary one that compromises quality for speed. Deadlines, however, while time-bound, usually allow enough time for a good solution to be formulated and implemented. Deadlines allow one to focus and work faster and effectively.