Top Time Management Trap to Avoid If You Want to Be More Punctual

Do you occasionally or often run late? Do you rush to get out of the door, are the last person to arrive, and frequently apologize for keeping people waiting? From personal experience and observation of clients, family, and friends, I’ve noticed one common factor that is the top cause for the time management challenge, punctuality. If you’re looking to shift your time dynamic, reduce your daily stress, and feel more in control of your day, keep reading. I have one idea for you that might be the ah-ha you need to make a change.

Have you heard of or experienced OMT, which stands for one more thing?  Very simply, this is the desire and implementation to do just one more thing beyond what should be your stopping point. By doing this extra thing, it puts you behind schedule and often results in being late to your meeting, date, or appointment. This can take many forms. Have you had one of these experiences or know someone that has? It could look like this:

Before I leave, I’m just going to  . . .

• eat a small snack

• read one more email

• return a quick phone call

• respond to one short email

• listen to voice messages

• change my clothes

• use the bathroom

• send out a message on social media

• load the dishwasher

• make a doctor’s appointment

• comment on a blog post

• research “x” on the Internet

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing any of these activities. As a matter of fact, these are routine activities that we do on most days. However, doing them beyond our stopping point, as in during the time we need to prepare to leave, is not the best moment to engage.

Ideally, you want to build a time cushion around your scheduled meetings and appointments. Consider your travel time, contingency time for the unexpected, and prep time so that you will know when you have to stop what you’re doing to get ready for next.

Setting a timer usually helps me. On occasion, when I ignore the insistent buzzing and continue doing my OMT, it makes me late. However, more often, the ding reminds me to stop what I’m doing, begin the transition activities like teeth brushing or cleaning up the breakfast dishes, and head out of the door.

The desire to do OMT can be intense. Has this happened to you? Does it influence the way you manage your time? What have you noticed? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!