TIME, THE REAL SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE

via atlantic.com

In the medical world no sweeter words hit the ear than, “We got to the problem just in time.”

Perfect timing.

‘Just in time,’ is my new good luck phrase.

Late? Or just in time.

I’ll never be late again.

Early? Or just in time?

One school of thought says you’re late if you’re not early, so I’ll never be late. Again.

Going the ‘just in time’ route reduces stress, and actually helps your timing. For once. Or at least I’ll be on time. But what is it about the idea of ‘time’ that changes things?

I was in England visiting time at the Greenwich Royal Observatory wondering how such a small country ruled the world, when it came to me.

The English version of time created an environment where navigators could navigate to the far reaches of the ocean, and get back, where sailors could trust the process. The English version of time also created the modern supply chain, logistics for the future.

When Great Britain was the world’s factory they needed the same thing China, the newest world factory, needs: dependability and stability. They needed raw materials to arrive on schedule, as well as timely shipping to deliver manufactured goods.

From America to India, England delivered on time. They also delivered a measure of attitude: Be On Time…or else. Or else what? Or else the colonies might rise up and revolt.

So let’s take a second and talk about being on time, and the revolting developments of not being on time:

When you tell someone you’ll meet them at a certain time, be there. If you’re going to be late, call ahead. Ignore being on time, and not calling, and you separate yourself from the rest of civilization, which England has come to epitomize. Pardon me while I stop for tea, but not for too long.

If you’re late, apologize. Being late is bad enough, so don’t make up some lame excuse, like you got lost, got stuck in traffic, had a relapse of some kind. The other person only cares about the late part, not the why you were late part.

However, if they wait a few days, or weeks, to tell you how upset they really were about you being late, if they harbor bad feelings they don’t know how to deal with, then give you the full meal deal with a side of anger and resentment, you’ve got a problem.

Either listen to them vent and be a good friend, or apologize again. Be sorry, very sorry. And if they persist in being angry, be reasonable. You were late, they were annoyed, you apologized. Now what?

While you scavenge your memories in search of what makes you such a jerk, or at least the sort of jerk you’ve become according to time management, take a second to look at the other person.

Yes, you’re bad for being late and not calling, but what’s wrong with them that they can’t let it go? A revolt is brewing.