date When setting a due date, begin by clearly stating the task or milestone and when it needs to be completed. It is important to also state any potential penalties for missing the due date. Depending on the situation, some people may prefer a more flexible deadline. The best way to go about this is to frame the due date as a suggested rather than a required target. If the task or goal can be completed in stages, you should also include the expected completion dates for each stage. Finally, make sure the due date is clearly communicated to everyone involved in the project.