How Do You Process Time?

In-timers are great at being fully present, totally in the moment (which is why this style is called in-time, not because they’re punctual!), but challenged at getting places or completing tasks on time. For them, it seems efficient to fit in ‘one more thing’ - to get somewhere early is to waste time. You’d wonder why the stress they suffer doesn’t change their behaviour – but no. They seem to suffer permanent memory loss on the topic. And most of it is caused because of that ‘one more thing’ they squeezed in!

Through-timers, on the other hand, are more objective; able to detach, to see themselves outside of the events they’re involved in. They seem to be effortlessly punctual. Their ability to easily see ‘through’ or along a time continuum makes it automatic for them to estimate how long they’ll need for any activity.

For each style, their strength is also their weakness. And opposites often attract – driving each other nuts until they learn to play to their strengths and support the other’s weakness.

The in-timer’s skill is at being fully present and focused on what they’re doing. Their downside is that it’s hard to extract themselves and forward plan. It can be done – I’m one, but I can never completely relax on it. Punctuality doesn’t come naturally to me. (I reward myself for good behaviour now and then by reverting to type when it doesn’t matter!)

The through-timer’s strength is their ability to detach, keep focused on the ‘main’ thing, to be aware of the passage of time and its consequences. On the other hand, this same skill can cause them to be seen as abrupt and distant. They have to work harder to ensure that they’re not perceived as disinterested. And through-timers can suffer just as much stress as their in-time buddies – because of the pressure they start to apply, on themselves as well as everyone around, when they perceive that it’s time to start moving.

For the in-timers, here are four useful strategies.

1. As the title of this article suggests – don’t do the ‘one last thing’. Have you ever noticed that this is the task that will make you late?

2. Another useful technique is to start with the end in mind. Count back approximately how many minutes you need for each step of the way, until you arrive at the beginning. Typically you’ll go, ‘That’s ridiculously early. I’ll be sitting around waiting!‘ You won’t, you know. You’ll just be less stressed. But always take a useful task to do on arrival, just in case.

3. At the beginning of the day get ready first for everything you’ll be doing that day – and then do the ‘other‘ things.

4. Once you’re on the road, get to your destination before you stop for breaks. Find the place you’re heading to, and then have the coffee or do the little fill-in tasks.