A project is nearly finished when someone asks for another section. The addition sounds useful. It also needs research, writing and review, none of which were included in the agreed deadline. Calling it a quick change hides the work involved.

Describe the extra work in ordinary terms. Estimate it from similar tasks where possible and identify the current commitment it would affect. Ask which outcome matters most if both cannot fit the available time.

Confirm the revised agreement

You might offer to add the section next week or replace a less important piece already planned. The person making the decision needs to see the options and their consequences. Avoid accepting every option while hoping the time will appear.

Record the chosen change beside the deadline. If more requests follow, repeat the scope check using the updated plan. This can feel slow in the moment, but it gives everyone a shared account of what will be delivered and when they can expect it.

Written by the Painless Success editorial team. For more ways to make time for what matters, explore Quiet Success.