On the dot
William Shakespeare
Is punctuality an innate behavioral trait or a skill?
I keep on asking this question to myself and the ones who surround me, and even after countless years, I still don't have the answer. But I have come to a conclusion just recently, since I had a lot of time to think in these past few days.
My answer is that it's a mix of both, an innate attribute and a matter of mastery too.
When it comes to time and being on the dot, you'll always find 3 types of people.
The one who's always on time, maybe even present at the scene or occasion a few minutes early. Then comes the one who's late every now and then, and surely not willingly, they will always express regret and be apologetic. Last but not the least, we have the third kind, those who always like to be fashionably late. Whether it's work or a casual occasion, timing and deadlines are the last two things they're worried about. They somehow always remain unworried, a nonchalant shrug of ignorance is all you can expect, absolutely zero accountability.
I believe I'm somewhere in the middle of the first two. I'm always worried about being on time; yet, being 5 to 10 minutes late is still acceptable in my books. I've trained myself to always try and be on time, while I also hold the intrinsic quality of valuing my time; I say it's all thanks to my father. My father is always ready 30 minutes prior to departure, and will always be at the office before any employee or colleague. And "somehow" he has successfully managed and implemented this timely routine of his for over 3 decades.
I'm nowhere near my father's timing and dedication. However, I do like to be present just on time, on the dot, but time waits for no one, and in this country you need a premium subscription to be just on time; yet, even then results are not promised. But, for certain things you can quite literally buy time in this country, and that's something I just can't afford at the moment.
This city, it's one very messed up and congested concrete jungle; full of noise, dust, rubble and squander, and no matter how punctual you are, you just can't time this city, not every damn time at least. One day you'll be at your destination 30 minutes early, a completely serendipitous experience! And the next day you'll be be an hour late, probably even 2 hours.
So, can you really blame the people of this city?
Only for 5 years or so I've really been working, going up and down, covering countless kilometers almost daily, and I'm already tired.
Sometimes I wish I had 0 accountability, wish I could be like those numbnuts who really couldn't care less. However, then I'd be of no value. It's because of my punctuality and commitment I am now getting so many offers, I am now being "valued".
Yet, there are still those moments where I fail, I miss deadlines, or I'm simply not present when I'm needed. At the end of the day, I am human, but I am trying to improve though; enhance the usage and efficiency of my time and energy.
For now I'm getting it right 7 to 8 times out of 10, and hopefully one day I'll bump it up to a 9 or 9.5, but is a 10 out of 10 attainable?
Only time will tell...
Well, I will say it is an innate behavioral trait and also a skill. It can be learnt especially when you have a n important place to go
Well said! A bit of practice can be applied here too.
It speaks volumes of your character. Time keeping seems to be an dying art.
You know, I admire people that are super punctual. I used to be the "on the dot" person and was often early as well which is amazing considering I came from a household where everyone was always late to everything and it was always a mad rush. I hate rushing to anything so I plan slightly better than my parents did lol, but I fail too. Often. You still wear a wrist watch which is becoming scarce to see these days.
Hey Emma, how've you been?
It surely is a dying art, and that's why I brought it up. It has become way too common, and people are also way too comfortable in being late.
It's quite the same for me, except for my father and I. And I got it from him, and I'd say he got it from my grandfather.
Rushing just messes things up; the more you rush, the more mistakes you make. And it applies to every aspect in life.
I love wrist watches, especially the Swiss ones. I got this one recently, just about 2 months ago. It's my favorite from my tiny little collection.
Good watches and watch brands are a mix of art, craftsmanship, heritage, and precision, you just can't go wrong with these things. Some brands are even considered to be a decent investment, but only if you know your watches. And I really don't like smart watches, they will last you 2 years max, and then on the third year they'll expire or become obsolete because of no updates.
A well built wrist watch however, will last 2 generations at least, 3 if well taken care of.
Hey Riz, all good on this end, and you, how have you been?
This exactly!
I admire and appreciate nice looking watches. I don't own any expensive ones but I can absolutely understand why people collect them. Did you see the new Collections community? Maybe you can post your watch collection in there.
Keep well bud, awesome to chat with you again 🙂
Sometimes busy, sometimes not so busy, it's a very odd routine. So, I really don't know how I'm doing. 😂
I bet there's something out there for you, a piece you might fall in love with. There are just so many beautiful time pieces, I don't even know where to start, even after all these years.
This is the first time I'm hearing about it actually, I'll go and check right away!
The feeling is mutual, Emma. You are one of the very few here on Hive, with whom I can actually take part in a thoughtful little chat.
You take care now, be seeing you on another day. ✨
I try to be on time when I say I will do it, also I do like those who stay on time. If you are going to be late then tell me but there are really some who say I will be there in ten minutes but no sign of him in thirty, I just hate them. I have a couple of friends who do these and I don't believe their words, I just move ahead when I need to.
A bit of honesty goes a long way, but even honesty is scarce these days.
They'll change, one day, but by then it could be too late.
Time waits for no one...