This past Christmas, I gifted my two sisters with the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - For Women, by Kristine Carlson. Inside the book, I placed a bookmark coupon that entitles each to have lunch with me, separately, and on my tab.
Part of the deal, though, is that we each will choose one of the 100 tips from Kristine, and hold each other accountable for implementing it into our lives this year. Since I'm meeting with both, I will choose two.
When I read the tip, "Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You'll Need," I knew that was one of my choices. Years ago, I was always on time. No matter the event, it was my habit to be on time. A meeting, dinner with friends, picking someone up at the airport - I was guaranteed to be there waiting.
And wait I did, while others lumbered in late, or sometimes not at all. Eventually, my attitude shifted, and I developed a new habit of showing up just in the nick of time, or a few minutes late. Not for everything, but often enough. "That'll show them," I thought.
Well, it didn't show anyone anything except that I was late, and not mindful of their time. For me, though, it showed how I could let my attitude take precedence over my personal values of integrity and respect for others. Respect for me, as well. It's become a game to see how much I can squeeze in before grabbing my car keys.
Being late usually means I am running around at the last minute, or past the time I said I would be out the door. My heart races quicker than my feet as I dash from closet to mirror to PC to check one last email.
I don't need that stress. I don't want it. I want to be calm as I leave the house, not catching my breath as I zip along the highway.
A couple of weeks ago, I was scheduled to attend a meeting at 6:00 in the evening, which meant driving during the rush hour. The highway I would take is notorious for jams. I allowed extra time, and even though there was an accident up ahead that slowed us down, I was the first one to arrive, 1/2 hour ahead of time.
I began setting up the room until a couple others arrived. That taken care, I could then sit and chat, sip hot tea, and be relaxed and ready to contribute at the meeting.
When my youngest sister and I meet for lunch next week, I'll be ahead of time, glancing at the menu, ready to have her hold me accountable for cementing my "new" old habit.
A Final Tip: Schedule your travel time on your calendar as well as the actual event. Depending on the distance, I might schedule 5:30 for Travel and 6:00 for Networking Meeting. That way, I have two appointments to keep - one with myself, and a second with others.
What's your plan for managing your time?
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