What time would you arrive for a 7pm appointment?
On Time: Arrive at 7pm.
Sensible Time: Be there at 6:50, just in case.
Jes Time: Arrive at 6:30. Get your book out, check your notes and be mentally ready.
Yes, my mate Jes is fanatical about being on time.
Who’s right?
Surely it depends on the situation.
Business meeting? Sensible Time feels good.
Job interview? Definitely Jes Time.
Going to your mate’s house for a bite to eat (what the posh folk call a dinner party)?
Ahhh, now we’re in a different realm.
My daughter vehemently argues that you should never arrive ‘on time’ for these occasions and your host will thank you for the extra fifteen minutes.
Then there’s one other time.
Christine Time.
Someone, a brave soul, once said this about her:
‘Her lateness is her greatness!’
And yes, I know it’s only because she has so much to do.
Except on holiday, where there’s nothing to do other than get ready and leave on time. 🤔
I’m not criticising, I wouldn’t dare, because as she’ll frequently remind me, ‘Christine Time’ has served us well.
Yes, I’ll fret about getting to the gig on time and worrying myself silly about missing the start.
On the flip side, I can’t tell you how many times we’ve parked up, missed the queue, breezed in thirty minutes ‘late’ and taken our seats just as the lights drop and the first note sounds.
That’s the beauty of Christine Time.
Jes would’ve been there for the sound check.
Researchers have found that people experience time differently. Not the clock itself, but their perception of it.
It’s not about lateness or earliness. It’s about your relationship with time, uncertainty and control.
Clever Psychologists have names for these behaviours.
Time Urgency
People feel genuine discomfort at the thought of being late, so they build in plenty of margin.
Planning Fallacy
A tendency to underestimate how long things will take. No traffic. No delays. No problems getting parked.
This might explain why some people are still getting ready when they should already be there. And others are there when they could be enjoying getting ready.
Where do you sit?
Are you: On Time, Sensible Time, Jes Time or Christine Time?
I’d love to know which camp you’re in.
You can leave a comment here. Don’t wait too long 😉
Be Brilliant!
Michael
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