Right on time

My resolution for the month of June is to cure my tardiness problem. This goal was inspired by Lib's recent post "Room for more?" which really struck a chord with me.

I was raised by parents who were early to everything so this lateness habit of mine didn't take root until college. For most of those four years I squeezed too much into every day -- I have so many memories of walking just as fast as I could from one place to another. (It's a good thing I didn't have a car for most of that time, or my insurance probably wouldn't be as cheap as it is now.)

I don't regret being involved with so many different groups in college, but I do wish I'd had more time to lie around and drink wine and have late-night philosophical talks with friends. I guess I just wish there were more hours in the day.

I read an article in The New York Times a couple of days ago that said most chronically late people aren't power tripping. Most of them fall into one of two categories, according to Diana DeLonzor, author of "Never Be Late Again." "First there is the deadliner, who ... 'is subconsciously drawn to the adrenaline rush of the sprint to the finish line.' ... Then there is the producer, 'who gets an ego boost from getting as much done in as little time as possible.' Many late people tend to be both optimistic and unrealistic ... and this affects their perception of time," according to the article.

Well, I have a lot of experience with finish lines and deadlines, and I also would rather work like a madwoman for two hours than accomplish the same amount at a normal pace over six hours. Maybe I'm doomed.

But I am making a real effort to be on time now. My strategy, and probably the secret of on-time people everywhere, is to aim for five minutes early. I hope if I focus on this for all of June, by July it will be a habit.

Yesterday Mom and I met for hot chocolate and I beat her there. It was unprecedented, and I think it bodes well.