Don't you hate it when you show up for a meeting or appointment, only to find that it is running late because earlier appointments ran late? I know I do!
When you are the one in control of the schedule, here are some ideas to keep this from happening:
- When scheduling appointments or projects during your day, plan in some buffer zones. This means adding an extra few minutes to allow for these activities to take longer than expected.
- Don't fall into the trap, though, of relaxing your efficiency since you've planned in extra time. Try to finish in the time you estimated without the buffer zone.
- If you end up with a few extra minutes between appointments or projects, have a ready list of to dos that take short snatches of time. These will refresh your brain since you're changing focus for a few minutes between appointments or projects.
- Always carry something with you to do should you be kept waiting. Or if the person with whom you are meeting is chronically running late, call ahead to see if he/she is on time.
By adding buffer zones to your schedule, it's less likely you'll keep others waiting by underestimating time requirements. And you'll reduce your own stress because you're not constantly running behind.
What a difference a few minutes makes!
More on appointments/projects:
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