A couple weeks ago, I came across an interesting article about punctuality. (Thanks, Jeanne!)
Here's the summarized list:
1. They’re realistic thinkers.
2. They give themselves buffer time.
3. They’re organized.
4. They’re comfortable with downtime.
Reading this was a huge eye opener for me--it doesn't just reinforce my habits and the things I'm doing right/wrong, it really makes me think about the way I think.
For example, I never really thought about the anxiety I feel when I'm early for things. When I have a morning seminar, I try to plan for traffic (accounting for "buffer time" and being a "realistic thinker"). If I leave my house by 7am, to get to an event downtown by 8am (15 minutes without traffic, up to 1 hour with traffic), there are times when I will be downtown by 7:30am, parked, and way too early for my own good.
I get anxious when I start to think about the small talk I'll have to make with people I don't know first thing in the morning when I would rather not talk to anyone. I think about the extra sleep I could've gotten. I think about all the things in the house I could've taken care of. It all makes me anxious, so then I find myself killing time in my car, trying to power nap, read, or play a game.
I'm organized when I have time and choose to make it a priority. However, I have never really been able to stick with routines. I don't do everything in the same exact order every morning. I change things around depending on how I feel, and if I feel any negative energy or tiredness when I wake up, I usually find ways to combat it before I leave the house. I'll put on a sitcom, read, or make a hearty breakfast for a good pick-me-up. I would rather start my day off in a good mood and be late than be on time and waste the precious time I have to live.
It's interesting perspective though. Maybe someday I'll adjust my habits, but for now, I'll probably choose to live a low-stress, high quality life!
http://www.fastcompany.com/3025074/work-smart/4-habits-of-punctual-people
For example, I never really thought about the anxiety I feel when I'm early for things. When I have a morning seminar, I try to plan for traffic (accounting for "buffer time" and being a "realistic thinker"). If I leave my house by 7am, to get to an event downtown by 8am (15 minutes without traffic, up to 1 hour with traffic), there are times when I will be downtown by 7:30am, parked, and way too early for my own good.
I get anxious when I start to think about the small talk I'll have to make with people I don't know first thing in the morning when I would rather not talk to anyone. I think about the extra sleep I could've gotten. I think about all the things in the house I could've taken care of. It all makes me anxious, so then I find myself killing time in my car, trying to power nap, read, or play a game.
I'm organized when I have time and choose to make it a priority. However, I have never really been able to stick with routines. I don't do everything in the same exact order every morning. I change things around depending on how I feel, and if I feel any negative energy or tiredness when I wake up, I usually find ways to combat it before I leave the house. I'll put on a sitcom, read, or make a hearty breakfast for a good pick-me-up. I would rather start my day off in a good mood and be late than be on time and waste the precious time I have to live.
It's interesting perspective though. Maybe someday I'll adjust my habits, but for now, I'll probably choose to live a low-stress, high quality life!
http://www.fastcompany.com/3025074/work-smart/4-habits-of-punctual-people