Sep 15, 2020
Why You’re Always Running Behind
Story of my life, and probably yours too.
So, you’re late for work again.
Sounds about right.
Or maybe you just have seventy things on your to-do list that you can’t seem to get done.
I’ve been there.
The key to solving both of these issues is consistency. Stop giving yourself a “rest” day that you deserved because you did so much yesterday. Soon that rest day turns into rest weeks.
Every day should be a day where something gets accomplished. Some days can have less than others, but the key is staying busy. Carve out time to relax every day after you have accomplished every goal for that day.
You also need to change your mindset on your to-do list. You should never be working off of a to-do list that is too long. You’ll give up, or get bored with it. Instead, make two to-do list — one that is for reference where you will put dates and deadlines each month and one for daily tasks.
This lets you be more intentional with what you do each day. Just trying to accomplish random things from that huge list every day gives you no direction. Smaller, daily lists help you master productivity.
As for running late to places — leave early gosh dang it.
I have a huge fear of running late or not being in the right place at the right time. I have to tips that save me from making a fool of myself from running late.
The first tip is to, again, write it all down. Get an agenda book to help you keep track of your plans. Don’t skimp out and only write what is happening. Write where it is happening, what time, with who, etc. This has saved me on so many occasions.
The second tip is to always leave early, as mentioned before. I try to be fifteen minutes early to everything. That doesn’t mean I leave 20 minutes before. Instead, I leave about 30 minutes in advance for nearly everything I do. It gives me the flexibility to manage anything that comes my way — unexpected traffic, needing to find a parking space, etc.
Be in control of what you’re doing and where you’re going. Don’t let fate decide if you make it on time or if you’re productive today. Feel free to take this as your sign to get stuff done today.
