There is always enough time to get everything done, and everything always gets done on time. Really!
I have been involved in numerous projects and deliverables, from large product launches to presentations on business cases, strategies, policies, etc. Many a time, I sat and watched others scurry, scramble, and fret over the timeline.
Meanwhile, I left the office at the usual time or not too long after – certainly when I chose to. I'd hear the next day about the Herculean efforts of those working into the wee hours of the night to get things done. I used to wonder what was wrong with me.
I began to justify myself (to myself). I'm very organized. I can get to the heart of it. I focus my attention. I do my work when I'm in the office and don't spend time socializing. Not too long ago, I realized there was more to it than some talent that I alone possessed. I began to consciously know that things would get done when they needed to, and I allowed it to happen.
I knew wherever I ended up at the end of the day was where I needed to be. Things were getting completed faster. If I knew I had to finish a proposal before a meeting, I would be done exactly on time. I felt very free, and even a little guilty, looking at everyone else still stressing over their workload.
I believe everyone can feel this freedom. It starts by knowing yourself, knowing your work, then thinking, feeling and acting differently. We are each unique in the strengths we possess and the role we play. Once we have our goals and know our priorities it comes together when needed.
More often than not, it does get done on time, meaning when it is required or in a time that suits the larger project. If we change our definition of "on time" to reflect need rather than dates, we take the pressure off, and generally improve the quality of what is delivered.
Are you going to tell me about the time your report was late? Late by whose definition? It got there when it got there. What about the time you missed a meeting? What did you really miss? Was it anything that couldn't be made up? What about the presentation you had to give? Well, you delivered what you had, didn't you?
What happened the day you were sick, or on vacation? Did the office continue to function? What about the time you worked overtime and/or overboard to deliver something, only to have it sit unused by the recipient for another day or week? What truly were the consequences? Were you and others able to adjust? I'll bet you were.
Our shifted perception gives us flexibility and a level of confidence in our ability to do our jobs. This self-assurance allows us to work in the moment - the true key to effective use of time. When we aren't distracted by:
- an external influence such as a neighbor or the "you've got mail" signal, or
- the internal sabotage of what we were last working on, or have to do next,
we have infinite space in the moment to concentrate on what we are doing.
So know yourself, know your role, and your tasks, prioritize accordingly, then set yourself up for success. Live and work in the present, and let the future take care of itself and you'll find it all gets done on time.
Ann-Marie Latoski is a dynamic leader, speaker, author and coach. As former Marketing Director for the printed SuperPages in Canada, Ann-Marie is known for her vision, passion and business success. Her first book, Sweet Success and Integrity is full of practical wisdom and guidance for surviving life at the office. Visit her at
www.amcoaching.ca.
