Are you on time for things?

Ronni

Well-known Member
Location
Nashville TN
I was listening to a comedian the other day, laughing along with his routine. He was asking the audience who’s on time for things, who’s late for things etc. and that he hates late people. And then he said:

“Early lasts for hours, on time lasts one minute, and late lasts forever! 😂

I struggle to be time for things. I usually am, because being punctual is important to me, and it’s also a “do unto others thing”…it annoys me when others are late so I try not to be.

Extrapolating from the above, it suddenly hit me that it’s so much easier to hit the goal of being early because there’s so much more flexibility and such a wide band of time in which to make that happen. Being on time however is way more precise, requiring an exactness that I struggle with. And of course once I’m late, there’s no coming back from that! 🤦🏼‍♀️
 

I try hard to be a little early, as being late makes me anxious and out of breath. Then you can be judgemental of those who are late, hah! My doctor must be utterly shameless as he’s never on time for his appointments…
 

Always early. I'm of the school that teaches when someone is late it means they value their own time more than yours. Of course, this is for the chronically late. No real judgment for the occasional flat tire, accident, etc. Moreover, these days with everyone carrying a cell phone it's easy enough to give someone a quick call to let them know your status.
 
Lombardi Time: The late Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers coach who also featured in sales motivational videos:

- If you're early, you're on time.

- If you're on time, you're late.

- And, if you're late, don't bother showing up.
 
I read an article years ago that people fall into 3 time management types. The chronically early, the chronically right on time, and the chronically late. If they end up somewhere outside of their time comfort zone it can give them some feelings of discomfort. For myself I'm a chronically early type and will feel a bit anxious if I get somewhere right on time. If I've ended up in a situation where I'm running late the anxiety ratchets right on up.
 
Most times I am about 5 minutes early. But sometimes I arrive a half hour early if I'm in the area for other tasks. Rarely am I late at all, but if I am there is a very good reason. I don't like to keep people waiting just for me at meetings, get togethers,etc. For appointments I am always 15 minutes early.
 
Yes, I am always early when I make plans with people and agree with those who say it’s a lack of respect for the other people you are meeting up with. If you are chronically late, it does give the impression that you think your time is much more valuable than theirs.

Arriving late puts everyone else’s schedule off since they are waiting for you. You end up having to make excuses why you are late and it starts off any new relationship on the wrong foot.

Arriving early gives you time to get your head together so you are more prepared and let’s the other party know that you are serious about the meeting. It’s more respectful to all concerned if you don’t waste other peoples time.
 

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