The Forums › Forums › The Workplace › Struggling › I'm only usually late by 5 minutes…what's the big deal? › Re: I'm only usually late by 5 minutes…what's the big deal?
When there’s something I ABSOLUTELY MUST be on time for, I set both a “warning” time and a “leaving time” on my multi-function, very loud timer.
The “warning” time is the time I have to start getting ready (and I make sure I allow plenty of time for that), and the “leaving time” is the time I absolutely must head out the door.
I pack everything I’ll need, in advance of my “warning time”, and I put it at the door, so I can’t miss picking it up on the way out.
I also plan out my journey in advance, allowing plenty of travel time. This is especially important because I don’t drive, so my trip often involves multiple transfers on public transit, and I have to be at the transfer points at a certain time, in order to make my connection. After 4 years of doing solo gigs, I have never ONCE been late! In fact, I’m usually very early!
The one and only time I was late was when I was performing with someone else, and what I recognized as their own undiagnosed, untreated ADHD made them do all the things that I had so carefully trained myself NOT to do. We arrived 90 minutes late, nerves all a-frazzle, and it turned what would otherwise have been a joy, into a absolute chore. This experience really made me see just how important it is for me to stick to my plan and my schedule when I’m going to a gig, even if that means I have to travel to the venue on my own.
My timers have also ensured that I’ve never been late for work, not even the time I had to be there at 5:00 a.m. When I get my week’s schedule, I grab my daytimer and my smartphone and enter my call times as 15 minutes earlier than they actually are. Each day, I note that time on the side of my hand, and set my timer accordingly.
I’ve also never been late when I have a ticket to see a show or movie. On the contrary, I’m usually ridiculously early.
So you see, we CAN train ourselves to be punctual, when it really matters!
Of course, for trivial stuff, I’m still racing in at the last minute…
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