Optimistic people
Photo: Halfpoint / iStock
- Why are optimists often too late?
- We should probably learn a good middle ground
- Everyone can learn on time
They all have one thing in common: They are always too late - that's what a scientific study has shown! How is this related?
Do you know such a person? Or are you even such a person?
A good friend of mine just always comes too late. 15 minutes are actually always in there (after all, he is reliable in it). But it does not bother him either: when he finally arrives - with a delay of 15 minutes - he comes to you with such a broad, contagious smile that all the trouble of waiting is forgotten.
It is said that punctuality has something to do with respect for the person waiting . So my unpunctual friend has no respect for me? I do not believe that. I rather believe what a study has found: Punctuality has something to do with optimism !
Why are optimists often too late?
Chronic latecomers are over-subscribing to the period before an appointment and, optimistically, assume that they can do it all.
"We have to take the S-Bahn in 20 minutes." - "Alright, I'm just taking a shower!" - "What? No, you can never do that!" - "Oh, that will be ..."
You can call that optimism, but you can also say that latecomers have unrealistic time ideas. One way or the other, they see things looser. And this optimistic attitude also has advantages:
- According to medical research, optimism reduces stress and thereby has a positive impact on health.
- Optimism can also have a positive effect on the career: A positive basic attitude not only gives a person a better aura, it also increases productivity and creativity.
That all sounds nice, but: The punctuality of one person can cause the other people who are on time or want to be, the more stress.
We should probably learn a good middle ground
Is it really that important to be on time for the minute? Will our friend XY immediately quit our friendship just because we're 5 minutes late? Do we miss the best stuff and stories because we're late?
An optimist finds this notion quite absurd - and somehow he's right. Maybe we should say goodbye to our perfectionism (here are some tips on how to do that) and cut off a slice of the optimist and his "who cares" attitude. And optimistic thinking can be learned fortunately (click here for tips)!
On the other hand: Should chronic latecomers really always put the patience of their friends on the torture? Is not their time as precious as that of the unpunctual? And to be honest, was not it sometimes annoying when they missed a train / the beginning of a movie / the beginning of a meeting?
Everyone can learn punctuality
Yes, with optimism we now have a great explanation for tardiness. And yet, latecomers do not want to bounce or even hurt their friends and colleagues! No problem: you can learn punctuality - without having to give up your optimism! This involves tricking yourself.
- Do you often fall asleep after having issued the alarm clock? Place it so that you can not reach it from the bed. This forces you to crawl out of your feathers.
- Divide your duties according to importance. Urgent is done first - then just before departure, less important To Dos, which can be well done later.
- Always plan for paths ten minutes longer than required. If you know that finding a parking spot on site is difficult, take another ten minutes to get started.
- Do not pack your bag at the last minute, but on time. Imagine a short-term alarm that sounds an alarm five minutes before the break-up time, and start immediately. Already you are on time!
Also interesting: Aufschieberitis adé: Tips against Prokrastination
