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Punctuality and Integrity

Okay, I'm still working my way through the No BS Guide to Time Management and loving it. When Dan Kennedy said that those who are habitually late lack integrity, I initially felt it was a bit harsh. But now that I think about it, I hate when people make me wait. I am a busy person and it disrespects my time to be kept waiting. I have been late to many things before, but I am always on time for important meetings. That just goes to show that we show up for the things we value so if someone is habitually late when working with you, they don't value you nor themselves. If they valued you, they'd respect your time and if they valued themselves, they wouldn't make a commitment they couldn't keep. They'd exercise integrity and show up on time or not accept the appointment in the first place.

My current boss is punctual. I value that. I respond in kind.

One of my friends is habitually late. I notice I respond in kind. I don't bother showing up on time as I know I will be kept waiting. Even though I show up late, I'm always still earlier than them. I should require this person to up their game. Or the next time they schedule a call at 10 am, I will respond with, "okay, I'll plan on 10:30 am" so that they realize how their habitual tardiness has not gone unnoticed.

Dan also suggests being a few minutes early to any appointments or meetings. When you show up early and prepared, people notice and you'll go far in life. In fact, here are three principles for success:

1) Show Up
2) Show Up on Time
3) Show Up on Time and do Your Work

Sounds simple, right? Simple, but not easy. I value punctuality and integrity. I will no longer accept invitations for anything I don't want to be on time to, or if I do want to come late, I will communicate my time of arrival in advance to the host so they don't wait. I will also keep plenty of "space" on my calendar so I don't feel like I'm rushing around. I enjoy life much better when I'm not running from one commitment to anothert. Serenity is a luxury I choose to afford. 

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