Major league baseball is upon us, and I am celebrating by hanging out in Arizona for a few days to watch the San Francisco Giants prepare for their baseball season.
I am looking forward to sharing photos from this trip in next week’s post here on 8 Women Dream. Here is one to start (from last season that I took at a game), with a few awesome edits from photographer Ray Mabry:
In getting ready to fly out to Arizona spring training this afternoon, I pondered the very fine line between efficiency and procrastination. As a consultant, single mom and start-up photography business owner –- this line is not only thin, it’s blurry.
The concept of “what you focus on is what you bring to yourself” was never more true than today.
My flight was at 6:40pm. I needed to leave my house by 4:15 in order to get to the airport by 5pm.
Did I mention the clock is 3 minutes slow?
And it wasn’t a gentle exit.
Throwing my bags into the trunk, running in and out of the house, going back and forth for various things NOT packed, hug the son, pet the dogs, grab the coat, leave the coat…
But I got outta there before 415, damn it!
And I made it to the terminal with moments to spare.
Does that mean I’m efficient or a procrastinator?
It got me thinking about one of my favorite questions I used to ask my clients about their preparation for our coaching calls:
“Did you read through all this material and complete your work On time or (Just) In time.”
That one always stopped them for a sec for reflection.
What does it meant to finish something “In Time?”
- Finishing something in time is very tactical. For me, it often assumes procrastination. It’s somewhat shallow in that not a lot of time is given to really research or examine something.
- Finishing just in time doesn’t always produce my best work, because little or no time was allotted for review and feedback from anyone but myself.
- When I finish things just in time, I often forget what I’ve done cause I’m never in the moment, I’m always thinking about what’s next.
What does it mean to finish something “On Time?”
- Finishing something on time is very strategic. It more often than not assumes a layer of thoughtful planning and reworking some ideas.
- Finishing on time gives me space for last minute issues, dealing with contingencies, or managing previously unknown expectations.
- I’m much more grounded and create better questions when I’m on time.
Being on time, not just in time, is much more peaceful. So why would I choose to be just in time?
What do I gain by not changing my approach?
I’m going through some major changes right now, in work and in life. Getting some new business clients, expanding my photo biz, and yes, getting ready for summer and all that means when it comes to parenting a 15-year-old.
The old way of doing things, the strictly tactical me, will probably not survive without some sort of adjustment.
And that is OK.
I know I’ll need some help, tho, and I may not know how to ask for it. So I’ll give you all the permission to do what you need to do to call me on it and keep me on track.
Are you an on-time or just-in-time person?
How does that serve your life and your dreams?
How does that get in the way of what you want?
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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Wonderful perspective Rem! Once again you take a simple concept like “time” and discover all it has to offer. Thank you!
Remy,
I am really enjoying your weekly blogs. I have discovered this year with my packed schedule that if I let anything slide it is a disaster. I actually have to stick to a schedule because there is absolutely no catch up time. I also try to set all the clocks a few minutes ahead to help keep me on time. Have fun in Arizona.
Hey there’s Miss Wendy! :-)
I am a Just In Time person – and it’s Heather’s fault! LOL
But I do plan, and have made some great milestones this week. I actually was a bit afraid doing it, which was weird, but once I took care of it, I felt great relief and now I can move forward on my dream.
Baby steps.
Great post.
Go Giants.
Cath
LOVE that photo, you make me smile every time I read one of your posts……
I was a just in time person when I was very young. Except that really, that meant I was late all too often. I learned to be on time in my twenties, and it has mostly stuck. It works better for me.
I am an on-time person…that makes me boring;)
Kim, not boring. Calm cool and collected! Thanks everyone for your thoughts…its been a crazy time of discovery for sure! R