Lately I’ve been seeing a pattern with the amazing clients I’ve been working with.
Bombarded with more distractions, less time and simply too much do, they fall behind. (It’s natural, but I promise you with simple systems in place — it’s avoidable).
And what I’ve found is that they blame the entirety of their lateness on their “lack of planning.”
Here’s the thing.
You think that planning ahead is the answer. If you planned ahead,
:: You wouldn’t have missed that appointment or flight.
:: You would have arrived at your meeting with more time to pull your thoughts together.
:: Your kids wouldn’t be so snarky if they weren’t the last ones to be picked up.
The truth is, planning is great, planning is essential for getting a task in place and on the calendar. BUT…and there’s a big ole’ BUT here…
It’s only the first step.
What about all the other stuff in between?
Being on time requires more than simply planning ahead. Here are five things timely people do every day to make sure they stay that way:
#1: They make their lists and check them twice
Timely people can’t live without their lists. They know that trying to keep everything (or even some things) in their head is a waste of time and energy and leaves room for something to be missed or fall by the wayside.
As thoughts come to mind, timely people write them down on their lists so always have them to refer to, and can later use them to plan out their schedule. They know their day doesn’t start without checking their lists and doesn’t end without doing the same.
#2: They use a calendar all day long
Timely people always know their immediate next step before it’s time to take it. It’s not enough to look at your calendar once a week or even once a day. Your calendar works hand-in-hand with your to-do list, having specific time scheduled for tasks to get done throughout the day.
Everything from a morning routine, to breaks, to meetings to making dinner should be blocked off on your calendar. So you save valuable time and energy on not having to think about what to do next.
#3: They buffer their time
If you’re a timely person you account for the fact that accidents happen. Traffic happens. Lines happen. Good time planners give themselves buffer time for each task – so at best, they’re ahead of the game, and at worst, on time.
Buffer time also includes wait time, set-up time, prep time and any other tasks that take time between your appointments, errands and meetings.
#4: They know how to say no
Timely people understand that accepting every invitation and responsibility that comes their way, is a recipe for time management disaster. I get it. You want to be a good friend, employee, daughter/son and colleague, but limiting your duties allows you to serve in your role better. Embrace the idea of doing fewer things awesomely, than doing many things meh.
#5: They use boundaries
Consistently timely people don’t answer every phone call and text immediately. Similar to saying “no,” they respect their time and boundaries. (Because if they don’t, no one else will). If friends or colleagues know you’re available at their every whim, they’ll come to expect it of you.
The more you set your limits, the more other people will respect them too. You can do this by setting three blocks of time during the day for checking and responding to email, or two times during the day when you’ll return phone calls. Setting personal time boundaries keeps your day flowing with limited interruptions, and keeps you – on time.
Here’s your challenge for the week: Pick ONE of the five attributes of timely people that resonates with you the most — and put it into action this week. Like really, stick with it. Just for the week and see how you feel by Friday.
Work better with accountability?
Then let me know which one you’ll commit IN THE COMMENTS BELOW and I’ll be there to cheer you on…and will follow up with you in a few days for extra support.
Here’s to your success in getting more of the right things done!
Xo,
Mridu
P.S. Know anyone who might benefit from this message. Please forward this post to them: https://lifeisorganized.com/business/5-things-timely-people-everyday/
I will commit to doing number #1 as I already use my calendar however way too much to get done and perhaps I do need to put all of it in my calendar I dont know. I will begin making my list Today. Thank you very much for your great tid bits of information and encouragement. Your awesome and God bless.
Pat, I love your commitment. Yes, try writing down EVERYTHING for the next few days. Here are a couple of pointers though. Keep all your thoughts in ONE place. Like one notebook or one document. Also, try categorizing your thoughts as much as possible. Like, to-do’s and tasks for a particular work project would be under the name of that project and to-do’s and thoughts for a home project would be under the name of that project. Groceries, errands, invoices, etc. would all be their own category. Otherwise you will end up with one very, very long list and that feels super overwhelming and confusing. Good luck with this and I’ll check in with you on how it went on Friday. Hang in there! -Mridu
Hey Pat! How is it going with getting all your thoughts down on paper?
Hi Mridu:
I love your tips, videos, blog, etc. I get overwhelmed with all the things you’ve mentioned as far as “daily” tasks such as cleaning, exercise, and so forth, but as the mother of two boys (one has multiple disabilities/medical issues), I get REALLY overwhelmed because I can’t keep a fairly consistent schedule. I’ll be rolling along for a little bit and then there will be an appt. at a time when I was trying to establish a habit. I get easily thrown off and distracted. Then as I watch everything pile up around me, I withdraw and play my favorite game on Facebook in order to escape. I sink further and further into the chasm til I give up basically, as my anxiety and depression take over. 🙁
Tracey, thanks for your message and support. First of all, kudos for you to handling all that you do! But I totally understand about getting thrown off track and getting overwhelmed. Have you tried looking at your next day’s schedule the night before…or even the morning of? By that time you should likely be aware of any appointments and can adjust your time and habits around them. Focus on your top 5 things for the day that you must get done and schedule them in around your appointments. Focus on getting those done before anything else, so everyday feels like a success. When you feel successful and accomplished, you are motivated and inspired to get more done (instead of falling into the abyss of FB). Also, when you do get on FB, try setting a 15 minute LOUD timer. 😉 So you give yourself the freedom to escape but set a limit on it. Hope this is helpful! Don’t give up. These habit changes don’t happen overnight. You will get there! xo, Mridu
Hi Mridu!
Thanks for your response. I usually look at my schedule ahead of time but fall into the trap of “all or nothing” thinking. I will definitely try your suggestions of writing down the “top 5” though! And I’ll find an annoying timer too. 🙂
Tracey
I dont have any kind of template (yet) for what number 3 looks like. I want that to be my point of entry to managing my time. Its gonna take longer than a week for me! This was a great article. Very Helpful to others. Be proud. I would also like to add that bullet journaling by Ryder Carroll is an amazing way to implement the keys in this article.
These are great! But I think my biggest weakness is having a reliable list to use. I think of things at such random times throughout the day and end up with notes everywhere. Including my hand. Some on my phone, on the fridge, at work, in the car, in the bathroom even! Then I can’t figure out how to compile them so they’re useful. And if I do, I end up not having the list with me if I need it. I’ve tried several digital lists. Apps, etc. but sticking to one is hard because they offer different options etc. Do you have a list management app you recommend? Or way to keep track of paper lists? ugh. to be even half organized and prepared is my DREAM!!
Thanks,
Anne
Hey Anne, sticking to a list is hard! I’ve tried a million different apps and notebooks and have landed on Evernote. I absolutely love it! But I think more important than the app is HOW you organize your lists. Here’s an article I think might help you: https://lifeisorganized.com/business/how-to-write-the-perfect-to-do-list/
xo, M