But I still had problems with being punctual outside of work, although to a lesser degree than before. I started thinking about why that is, and I realized that what made the difference at work was that punctuality was a high priority for everyone at my company. This meant that the people who scheduled me and dispatched all of my trips to me were keeping tabs on the timing between clients and where and how far I had to drive between them as well. It was really key to the success of my trying to be punctual that all of my colleagues were working to ensure my being on time was possible to begin with.

What I learned from that experience is that when we take on being on time ourselves (as well as meeting our other deliverables as expected, and having realistic expectations of others), it reduces the stress for our co-workers as well. And it’s very nice to work for a company in which everyone you’re working with are committed to the same thing. Success in such a situation is all but a given.

I’m still amused that it wasn’t until I had that job that I finally figured out that my own personal integrity (or lack thereof) could have such a major impact on so many others.

Lance@ Thanks so much for stumbling the post! I used to keep my problems to myself a lot – over the years, I’ve come to identify true friends whom I can share anything and everything with, and it makes me really glad!

Daphne@ You’re too sweet! I agree being punctual is extremely important – in fact, it’s something I’m working on myself. I’m also planning a post on how to be punctual soon, where I’m going to recommend the methods which worked best for me in cultivating the habit.

You never cease to amaze me with how much learning you pack into a short space of time – like figuring all that out just after starting your working life. Great stuff. I think being punctual is under-rated for reducing work stress, and I notice you have 2 points on that – be on time and be early. It’s the number one thing that remove stress from my workday.

This is a great list (and I see a few items on here that I “should” probably work on…). #17 Talk to someone about your problems – this is one I spent way too many years not doing – only to make for more stress and anxiety.

Thanks for sharing this here!

I love #25 – “Don’t fuss over the less important 20%”. I’m still trying to perfect the art of not fussing over it….. ;-)

You have a great weekend too, Celest.

Yan