Pessimistic, optimistic, cynical and satirical people all have one thing in common; when it comes to our schedule, we’re all overly optimistic. We overestimate what we can get done and underestimate what it takes to get it done.  

The biggest problem with this is that we set ourselves and others up with false expectations. With our schedules so tight it’s easy to be constantly late for appointments. With so much to do we often don’t execute very well on the task at hand. I’m all for optimism, but I’ve had to learn the discipline of developing a healthy skepticism for my own schedule. 

What helped changed my perspective on this subject were the words of a late mentor of mine by the name of Dr. Alex Lackey. He shared that “Every time you’re late, Brian, you make a small withdrawal out of your clients’ trust account.” When we break promises at home, we do the same thing. 

I still struggle with this on a regular basis but if I find myself stretched to the max, I need to choose realism; not optimism. 

It’s a good life! 

Brian