Here is an interesting article, and a topic that I am seemingly in a debates with people from time to time over the years. Timeliness or lateness. Now everyone who knows me knows that I am never on time for too much. I make no bones about this fact and I am always surprised at how many people care about my habits and how I live my life. I think they would be better served if they focused on their own lives. Needless to say, this topic stirs up debate. The author of this article that I was unscrupulously tagged in a comment about, says that being late is rude and inconsiderate to others. It goes on to say that we are all busy and this is no excuse for being late to anything. Well... they dont live in my life and I dont live in theirs, so I find it offensive that anyone would judge me and my habits when they know so little about me. This is problem number one with the article and the authors assertions. I do agree that being on time for your commitments is honorable and worthy to aspire to. And when I do commit to a specific time, I am on time! But everyone who knows me, knows that I RARELY commit to times precisely because I know that I cant be on time. My reasons why are nobodys business but mine. But I will share... My normal day is filled with activity that is my own and lots of business related commitments. I have an intense call schedule everyday and a lot of computer work with diets and programs, videos, interviews, radio shows, and so forth. Now I dont know many people who can handle what I handle (over 150 athletes, and all the other activities) and still be on time for every thing. There is simply only 24 hours in a day. I know this and every client of mine and everyone that I do business with knows, because I tell them on the front end, that I cant always commit to certain times. But I do on occasion when necessary and I am on time. Dont get me wrong, I can commit to some things but just not all things. I have to prioritize my time and my activities in order to help as many people as I do, and in order to get the volume of work done as I do. I think it would be rude if I didnt tell each person that I need latitude on timeliness, but I DO and I do it in writing usually. All of those who cant work with this kind of scheduling simply dont have to work with me (I wont be offended or upset. I understand that this may be an issue for some and I often try to accommodate but if I cant they dont have to work with me. But I usually can make adjustments from time to time if it is important just not with every activity I have on my plate). Like I said earlier, I can be timely... for instance; I am not late to my contest commitments, I am not late to movies, I am not late to activities planned with other people (unless I tell them on the front end and I always do if I know I will be late)... and I am not late if i agree specifically to a time (which I rarely do). But I am always careful to always tell each and every person just exactly my constraints and my scheduling issues so that they can accommodate. I dont want anyone waiting for me. If they choose to, that is their own decision. Fortunately for me, I make so many other consessions and add value in so many other ways people give me the latitude I need 99% of the time and I appreciate it. I couldnt help as many as I do, nor be as good at what I do and have the value that I do if I didnt contribute in so many ways as I do (which is why my time is so limited in the first place. So I am thankful for my reasons for being untimely.) What do you all think? vitamintalent/vitabites/no-you-are-not-running-late-you-are-rude-and-selfish
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:06:10 +0000