It's a new year which gives us all a chance to work on something. Someone close to me recently asked me for some pointers on how to be on time. Now, I will be the first to say that I am not always on time, but for most things in my life I try to show up slightly early or right on time. I think this stems from rushing around as a youngster. I am not sure if I have ever been to Sunday church with my family on time, it's a running joke that we sneak in the back well into the service. Now that I know I am more of an "on time" person, I try to make it as easy as possible on myself.
These are my five tips for getting out the door and hopefully arriving on time!
1. Wake up earlier:: Listen, if you have kids it is amazing to have a few moments to yourself every morning. I sip on a cup of coffee, blog, do some yoga, anything really that I usually don't get to enjoy by myself. If you don't have kids, imagine how nice it would be to give yourself an extra half hour. If doing this everyday is way too much for you, try to do it 2-3 days a week. See how much your attitude changes!
2. Prepare the night before:: I get it. The kids are in bed and you are ready for reality TV and wine. Whether I am going for a hike or to the gym the next morning, I try to have as much as I can ready to go. That means my son's backpack packed with snacks and my gym bag ready to walk out the door. It is one less thing to worry about in the morning.
3. Set realistic appointment times:: This is a big one! Don't make a 8:00AM dentist appointment if you have to drop the kids off at school at 7:55AM. Yes, even if it is next door to the school. You won't make it. Give yourself more time than you think you need. I am a huge fan of 10:00AM appointments or even 3:45PM appointments, since it is the last of the day and they are typically speedy and ready to go.
4. Embrace the day planner:: Yes, having everything on your phone is super handy, but trust me the day planner is still alive and needed. Writing things down helps you to remember and store the information. Make it a part of your morning routine, to sit down and look at the week ahead.
5. Make the car exciting:: OK, I know this one seems weird. But, when you are enjoying something it makes it more exciting to actually do it. I am a huge fan of books on tape and podcasts and since we live pretty far from everything we do, I listen to a lot of them. I also keep books and a few toys in the car for Luke, so he has something to do while driving to our destination. The more excited about what we have waiting for us, the more likely we are to get in the car. And hey if you are early, you get to finish the chapter!!
It will take some time to change your way of thinking. Don't get discouraged, you got this! There will be hectic days, I have yet to get out of the house before 9:30AM this year, but I know things will eventually fall back into place. If you're late, apologize and make it a point to not be late the next time.
Remember, everyone's time is worth something, even yours!
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I treasure my morning time; but so often I don't get up before the kids and I miss it.
ReplyDeleteRev always reminds me that the only way to be on time is to be early. :-) I'm getting better. I'm glad I have him to keep me on time. Your tips are great!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Preparing the night before really helps me. I love your idea of making the car exciting. I need to do that more for my kids.
ReplyDeleteI cannot get out the door on time with 4 kids! Of course, if I leave the house by myself, I'm early! No amount of preparation works. There are always last minute bathroom breaks, diaper changes, and forgotten items! Love your tips!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm the worse at this lol and it's more me getting myself ready than my kiddo lol.
ReplyDeleteI love these tips! Preparing the night before was a total game-changer for me!
ReplyDeletehehehe, I love #5! I'm also all about planners, but somehow fell off the wagon on that a year or two ago--I need to start using one again! I feel like my life was way less chaotic back then!
ReplyDeleteSuch good tips. I have actually only been late to 2 appts in my life. Even with 4 kids. Why? My husband. I have been, always been, an ontime person. It has been ingrained in me probably because I had a military dad. Early is on time; on time is late! LOL. But with that, I set realistic appointments, I will prep the night before, and I will let the kids know well in advance so they know what is expected of them! Great tips and thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh...and yes to the planner!