How to be on time

There are two Glynnis’ when it comes to being on time.

The first me is organized.  She makes sure she has everything ready to go, leaves with enough time to allow for traffic and shows up with enough time to make a graceful entrance.

Then there’s the other me. She didn’t watch the clock, still has wet hair when she should have been walking out the door, then rushes around finishing up and gathering things.  Then after finally making it out the door, she runs back into the house three times … first for the keys, then for the phone, finally for the paperwork/coupons/etc.  All the while trying to avoid her husband, who will surely make a smart comment like, “Haven’t you left yet?”

Why can’t I always be like that organized one!!!

While I’m not perpetually late, I do struggle with a trying to do one more thing before leaving the house, and that hinders my timeliness.  But I really value being on time.  To me, it shows respect for the hostess (if it’s a hosted event) and it lowers my stress level significantly.  Here are some tips that make a huge difference in me being on time:

Prepare the day before.    Part of my evening routine is to check my calendar for the next day.  Then, I review what I need to prepare.

Set things in ONE place.   I have a chair by my front door that is the gathering spot for things that need to be taken somewhere.  If I can put things in a bag, that helps even more.

Schedule a reminder on my computer and phone.   I enter all my appointments, phone calls and pick up times into Outlook which is synced to my phone.  I set the reminder for the amount of time needed to get ready.

Set two alarms.  When I have to get up earlier than normal, I set my alarm clock and an alarm on my phone.

Manually set a timer.  Sometimes I just use a kitchen timer when I’m afraid I’ll get busy with a project and lose track of time.

Add 10-15 minutes to travel time. Perhaps you need more than that if you live where traffic is undependable.  Set an amount of time as a standard cushion for travel.

Pray for your getting-ready time and travel beforehand. Don’t neglect the power of prayer in this area.  I’m confident that many times the evil one’s plans have been thwarted by my calling on God’s angels to intervene.  Don’t you think the devil wants us to be stressed, impatient and frustrated?  I don’t want to give him any leeway in this area.

Take something to read or work on if you show up early.  Or just plan on ministring to someone who might need a friendly greeting and a moment of your kind consideration.

Being on time is possible, even with small children.  We just have to take the time to plan ahead.  My family is so much happier when I’m calm, cool and collected, rather than having me frantically race around.

Do you have any tips for being on time?  I’d love to hear them.

Grace & Peace,

Glynnis