It's easy to change the date format in Microsoft Excel. You just need to use the "Date" drop-down menu, which gives you plenty of options.

With the dates selected (C3:C37), click the Home tab, click Conditional Formatting, and then choose New Rule from the dropdown (Figure B). Excel opens the new Conditional Formatting pane to the right.

The ramifications of missing a due date can range from simply adjusting the date to getting fired. Don't take chances with deadlines when a simple conditional format can remind you.