Tag Archives: time ownership

While you wait…

(or Please hold, your call is important to us)

Patience, I’ve heard some say is a science.

I say that’s the case only if you make the most out of your waiting-time.

Putting my money where my mouth is, I’m sitting here at a shmik lunch place in Bogota, Colombia waiting for a client, who according to local customs, is perfectly on time.  Yet, I’ve been waiting for 30 minutes. 

Should I be angry, or offended my her lateness? (…As if any of those emotional states will achieve anything in this situation…)

Frankly, her lateness doesn’t bother me.  It’s not because I have all the time in the world.  I’ve back-to-back meetings scheduled for the afternoon.  Or because I’m particularly understanding or forgiving of her circumstances.  If anything I value my time more than I value hers…

It’s because waiting-time – the kind that falls on you unexpectedly – in my world is found-time.  For that reason I’ve learned to pick it up, say thank you, and put it to good use.  Just like the last time I found $20 bucks on the street.

In line with that, as I sit here waiting I’ve:

  1. Planned the rest of my week – written a to-do list and all
  2. Returned 2 phone calls
  3. Drafted  3 emails
  4. Developed 1 idea for a marketing campaign
  5. Added 3 items to a meeting’s agenda
  6. Ordered flowers for my mom and
  7. Written this post.

So how are you perfecting the science of patience?

 

Like the picture?  Click here to find out where I found it.