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I’m Late, I’m Late
by Maria Gracia
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Do you sometimes feel like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland? One of the
most memorable scenes was that frantic rabbit hysterically shouting, 'I'm late,
I'm late--for a very important date.'
You don't have to rush to get where you're going to be on time. A little bit of
creative scheduling and discipline will allow you to slow down, de-stress and be
there a few minutes AHEAD.
1. DO SOME PERSONAL CALCULATIONS
Know your numbers! For example, let's say you have an appointment at
10:30AM tomorrow morning. And let's go on to say your numbers are as
follows:
EVENING
* You need 8 hours of sleep.
* It takes you 30 minutes to fall asleep.
MORNING
* Always pad your time needed by a 'minimum' of 30 minutes.
* You need 90 minutes to wake up, shower, dress, etc.
* You need 10 minutes to walk the dog.
* It's winter and you have to warm the car for 5 minutes.
* It will take you a 'maximum' of 40 minutes to get to your appointment. (Always
plan on the trip taking longer. With traffic, construction, etc., it usually does.)
What time should you wake up? Add up your morning numbers. In this case,
you'll need 175 minutes--approximately 3 hours, from the moment you wake
up, to get there with enough time to spare, and without rushing. So, if you have
to be there at 10:30AM, you should wake up no later than 7:30AM, and do
everything you have to do without getting distracted. Use a timer to ensure
you're staying on track, and not taking too long doing any one activity.
Also, be sure you get enough sleep the previous night. In this case, you should
go to bed no later than 11:00PM, or earlier if possible.
2. WATCH OUT FOR THOSE DISTRACTIONS
Imagine this scenario. You went to bed early, woke up on time, and were
currently 'on schedule.' That is--until the phone rang. Instead of allowing the
answering machine to screen your call, you decided to pick up. You soon
discover it's Aunt Martha who just had to tell you about her wonderful birthday
party. She just rattles on and on, until you can finally get a word in, and tell her
you'll have to call her after your appointment. She says, 'Ok, I just have to tell
you one more thing . . .'
Needless to say, you're now late.
When you have to go somewhere, always have your answering machine (or
your receptionist) screen your calls. Chances are, it won't be an emergency,
and you'll be able to return the call later, when you have more time.
3. IF YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE 5 MINUTES, COUNT ON 10-15
There are very few things you can do that will only take 5 minutes or less to
complete. For example, you may think it takes 5 minutes to check your e-mail,
but very often, it takes 15 minutes or more. Once you get into your e-mail
program, dial up, read a few letters, perhaps respond to a few, and then close
your program, that original 5 minutes often is long gone. 3 words: Pad your
time.
4. SOUND THE ALARM
Alarm clocks are not just for waking you up in the morning. If you have to leave
your house or office at 3:00 in the afternoon, set the alarm to buzz at that time.
You can also use a watch alarm, or a computer software reminder alarm.
5. GET READY THE NIGHT BEFORE
Don't wait until the morning arrives before deciding what you're going to wear,
or what you have to bring. The night before, lay out your clothes, have the kids'
lunches ready to go in the refrigerator, organize your materials and put them
near the door, make sure you have enough gas in the car, etc. If you do
everything you need to do the night before, you'll be able to dress and go,
without stress, in the morning.
6. SET THE CLOCK AHEAD
Set your clock and/or watch ahead the number of minutes that you're usually
late. For instance, if you're usually 10 minutes late, set your watch so that it's
10 minutes fast. Try to forget it is running fast, so you don't think you have extra
time.
7. BEWARE THE SNOOZE BUTTON
Most alarm clocks come equipped with a snooze button that temporarily stops
the alarm, and allows you to sleep for a few more minutes. Try placing your
alarm clock on the other side of the room, so you actually have to get up out of
bed to turn it off. Once you're up, don't go back to bed. Or, if you must hit the
snooze button once or twice, set your alarm clock earlier to make up for the
extra time you need.
8. KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING AND HOW TO GET THERE
If you're traveling to an unfamiliar place, it is very important to get proper
directions well ahead of time. Read through the directions beforehand, and
study a map if necessary. If you're taking public transportation, determine the
scheduled departure and arrival times.
9. PLAN AN ALTERNATE ROUTE
Your original planned route may not turn out to be the quickest route. Traffic
delays happen for all sorts of reasons: construction, accidents, weather, and so
on. If you discover you can't take your original route, you'll have to go another
way. Know your alternate routes, before you leave your home or office. This
way, you'll be able to allow for extra time. Listen to the local traffic report on
your radio while you're dressing or when you get in your car, and use the best
route for that day.
10. PLAN TO GET THERE EARLY
If you have a meeting at noon, plan to get there between 11:30 and 11:45 at the
very latest. You won't be late. Plus, if you happen to get there early, great! Now
you have time to read that article you packed in your briefcase last night! Good
for you!
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The Original
Get Organized Now!
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by Maria Gracia
The Original
Get Organized Now!
Website - Since 1997
by Maria Gracia
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