How to Expect the Unexpected
- Take notes (mental or written) as you go about your days to become aware of the things that prolong your transitions. Then schedule additional transition time between activities based on your findings.
- With children, get into the habit of allowing extra time whenever venturing out. Surprise others by arriving early once in a while.
- Talk to yourself, that is, talk yourself through the transitioning process, such as, “I need to do these three things on the way so I must plan extra time for them.”
- Create written routines in advance for daily activities like leaving for work in the morning, bringing the children to school, or getting to an appointment. These pre-planned steps will be more visual and actionable.
- Use backward planning. Think about the end result (getting to an appointment, for example) then define what needs to be done before that (knowing the directions to the location), and the things you need to bring before that (setting paperwork by the door).
- Practice estimating time as you go about your days. For example, estimate how long it will take for you to refuel the car. Then notice how long it actually took. Keep a small notebook handy or record observations on your phone. Make a game of this to see how accurate you can become for future reference.
- Set your clocks fifteen minutes (or more) ahead so that you arrive on time.
- Envision how embarrassed you will feel if you arrive late again. Or, on the positive side, imagine how proud you will feel to arrive on time.
- Give yourself some slack. Accept the fact that it may take you extra effort to do something that everyone else seems to do naturally.