The other day I was driving to the gym to catch a 4 pm team training session (this is our large group training session we offer at the gym). I know it takes me about seven to ten minutes to get from my driveway to the gym.
I planned accordingly. I left at 3:53, giving me enough time to make it to the start of the session. Do you know what time I got to the gym?
At 4 pm, I was on time, score! Well, I was on time for getting my car across the imaginary finish line, which is where the pavement of the gym parking lot meets the pavement of the street.
By the time I parked, changed my shoes, and placed my belongings in a cubby, it was 4:10 pm. I was not even close to being on time. I did not adequately prepare, I did not think of all the little things that needed to get done before I started my session.
We do the same thing in other parts of our lives. We think we have enough time and we overlook all the small steps that go into being ready, whether it’s packing for a trip, meeting up with a friend, or getting Christmas cards out.
Missing a deadline or being late happens, life happens, some things pop up in our lives that we cannot foresee or control. This is understandable.
The downside to being late is people stop trusting you and relying on you. Showing up late or missing a deadline says, “that’s not important to me,” or “I don’t value your time.”
And there is the rub. Most of the time, being on time is a choice, and we choose to allow ourselves too little time, which enables life events to easily disrupt our plans.
Being on time for others shows you respect their time, being on time for yourself shows that you respect your own goals and growth.
Your Fitness Sherpa
