Top Time Management Trap to Avoid If You Want to Be More Punctual
Do you occasionally or often run late? Do you rush to get out the door, arrive last, and frequently apologize for keeping people waiting?
From personal experience and observing clients, family, and friends, I’ve noticed one common factor that is the top cause of time-management challenges: punctuality.
If you’re looking to shift your time dynamic, reduce your daily stress, and feel more in control of your day, keep reading. I have one idea for you that might be the ah-ha you need to make a change.
Have you heard of or experienced OMT, which stands for one more thing? Very simply, this is the desire and implementation to do just one more thing beyond what should be your stopping point.
Doing this extra thing puts you behind schedule and often makes you late to your meeting, date, or appointment. This can take many forms. Have you had one of these experiences, or do you know someone who has? It could look like this:
Before I leave, I’m just going to . . .
eat a small snack
read one more email
return a quick phone call
respond to one short email
listen to voice messages
change my clothes
use the bathroom
send out a message on social media
load the dishwasher
make a doctor’s appointment
comment on a blog post
research “x” on the Internet
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing any of these activities. In fact, these are routine activities we do on most days. However, doing them beyond our stopping point, as in during the time we need to prepare to leave, is not the best moment to engage.
Ideally, build a time cushion around your scheduled meetings and appointments. Consider your travel time, contingency time for the unexpected, and prep time so you know when to stop what you’re doing and get ready for what's next.
Setting a timer usually helps me. Sometimes, when I ignore the insistent buzzing and keep doing my OMT, I'm late. More often, the ding reminds me to stop what I’m doing, start transition activities like brushing my teeth or cleaning up the breakfast dishes, and head out the door.
The desire to do OMT can be intense. Has this happened to you? Does it affect how you manage your time? What have you noticed? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!
