Can You Freeze Time?

Have you ever started to leave the house and remember something you want to do first? It doesn’t matter that you are leaving the house so that you will be on time for your appointment, you just have to get this one thing (or two, or three) done.
For some reason, your brain lets you believe that this 5-minute task will not make you 5 minutes late because time will stop for you. And when the 5 minutes turn into 10, no big deal, time isn’t really passing, right? So, it is really surprising that you end up being late to your appointment.

I am sorry to report that real life has not caught up with science fiction and/or fantasy, time just keeps on ticking away. I have to tell you that “no time at all” is a lie your brain is telling you.

How do you keep track of reality?

It helps to have lots of clocks. Have a clock in every room. Analog clocks are more effective as you can see time passing. Look at the clocks frequently. Additionally, for those tasks you only seem to remember at the last minute, write a note. Keep a sticky pad and pen by the door so that you can place the note where you’re sure to see it when you return. Or send yourself a text or voice mail – you can even do that in transit.

Time cushions also help, especially if you include them in your calendar. Cushions give you room for the time an appointment takes that’s not actually appointment time – like travel. I’ve known many people who leave the house when the appointment starts. So, if you need to be somewhere at, say 2 p.m. and travel time in 20 minutes, then the appointment starts (when you leave) at 1:40. I even know a couple of people who have to include the time to get ready (say, getting dressed) in their appointment schedule, otherwise, they wouldn’t get out of bed until the time of their first appointment!

– Sydney Metrick