Being on time is a problem that everyone faces (if you don’t, please TELL ME YOUR SECRETS). Recently, I was asked the question, “Why is it so hard to be on time?” I said, I really don’t know. But as I’ve thought more about it over the past couple of days, I’ve realized that I usually AM on time, but I’m always rushing to get to wherever I’m going. And I don’t want to be rushing around to places my entire life! I came up with a few reasons for why it’s so hard for me to be on time without a rush so that I can think of a strategie(s) that will help me be in less of a hurry!
Between school work, vaulting, riding, and the dogs, I’m always really busy, so I end up with little free time. Also, my schedule changes frequently. It’s different each day and it is VERY precise. That means, getting to classes, vaulting, and even sticking to the schedule without a rush is really challenging.
I like to do my work completely and to the best of my ability. Also, when I take my time on things, I think it gives me more opportunities for it to become better and for me to completely understand why I’m doing whatever the task entails. I take LOTS of time on everything I do. And if I add more time so I can do things well, I will completely use it all and still be in a hurry to get the next place.
And finally, my last reason is… that my dogs are so petable. They always want attention, and whenever I walk in a certain spot in the house, they always get their toy, and want to start playing. I’ll only play if I have time to, but it’s always so sad to convince them that I have to go!
Since most of my classes haven’t started yet, I haven’t been in too much of a rush yet this year. But once everything gets going, I think having a place for stuff that I need for the day and packing everything the night before, could help me to go from place to place smoothly.
Are you always rushing to get somewhere? Do you have any tips that help you keep track of time? Or, why do you think you struggle with being on time? Comment your answer down below!
Uncle Angelo January 21, 2018
Good topic and one I think about all the time too. I also really like your picture!
Marco January 22, 2018
Thanks!
AnnaC9 January 22, 2018
Oops – that’s from Me Anna 🙂
natalie dente January 21, 2018
Hi Anna, a very good article. I myself am a little crazy about time I’m always on time because I don’t want anybody waiting for me. Time is precious to everyone, and keeping people waiting isn’t nice, also keeping a schedule helps to make a day easier to deal with; love grandma natalie
Max January 22, 2018
Anna, great topic and something I think everyone should look into. Time is very interesting and also very specific to different cultures. Not to long ago the Japanese apologized for a train leaving 20 seconds early – yes early…
I can attest to Japanese and the other spectrum of time in India/Himalayan region where if the train or anything for that matter does not arrive today it may arrive tomorrow or the next day or frankly in your next life time, but that is just fine for them – no worries.
I like your question/s because I read them as about how it makes you feel when you are rushed, late, not having time for the dogs etc. One of the things I have learned is to not over think just do. A short amount of focused attention is a whole lot more valuable and productive then more time with less attention. If you want to play with the dogs, just play with the dogs. Do not do anything but, do not think of anything but, just be present and do. I find that time, even if short, is well spent then I can move on to what’s next without feeling rushed, missing out etc.
For reference you can look up “How to Beat Procrastination in the Digital Age”. The author says to change the word ‘but’ to ‘and’ and a task becomes less daunting. For example she says, you might tell yourself. “I want to be on time BUT I couldn’t decide what to wear.” What comes after the but is important change it to AND and there is a resolution. AND I will wear…
Good luck, I wrote too much got to run 🙂
Love Uncle Max
AnnaC9 January 22, 2018
Wow! That’s VERY interesting… I think I might try that and see if it helps and gives me more enjoyment. Thanks for the super thoughtful response – I really enjoyed reading it!
– Anna 🙂
donna January 22, 2018
HI Anna,
This piece definitely makes one think. I agree with you — it is stressful to always feel there at any given moment you are supposed to be doing something, getting ready to do something, or going to do something. What happened to free time???
I also agree with Grandma that is important to be on time. It’s rude to keep people waiting.
I also think with Uncle Max made a great point. Just do. Do pet the dogs. Do make a cup of tea. Maybe if we just “do” we’ll be able to move more seemlessly through our days. And enjoy the small moments more.
Time is definitely hard to deal with these days it seems. Keep being thoughtful though. Try to see the big picture so you don’t get mired down in any one task. And pet the dogs often.
Good luck! Keep us posted on how things go.