“Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” - William Shakepeare

Introduction:

This week's newsletter discusses the importance of punctuality when building a personal brand. 

In a few easy steps, learn how to go from rushing from one commitment to another to being early and prepared.

Do you feel like you need more time? Do you always feel rushed and run for everything ten to fifteen minutes behind? Do you arrive at your appointments flustered and stressed? I know exactly how you feel, and I understand how it feels to be stretched thin and over-committed. We are busy women, and many reasons cause us to be late, unintentionally; traffic, a sick child, or a burst pipe. Yes, I am speaking from experience.

Unfortunately, recurring tardiness can hurt you in several ways:

1. Making people wait for you could make them feel you do not value or respect their time. 

2. It could lead to financial loss; for example, being late for a job interview may lead to losing a job offer. Or it could lead to a loss of follow-on work.

3. Rushing raises cortisol levels and increases stress on the body.

Conversely, according to Indeed (indeed.com), there are several benefits to being on time, which include:

• Appearing professional 

• Lowering stress

• Displaying leadership qualities

• Improving working relationships

• Fostering an excellent public perception

Consistently showing up on time or a few minutes early is a great way to show that you are respectful of other people's time and is a great way to build a solid personal brand.

So what are three simple ways to help ensure that you are punctual, most of the time because life happens?

Build in a buffer - always. 

Plan to be 15 minutes early. Then, you can sit in the car and listen to music or audiobooks. How soothing does that sound vs. rushing in apologizing and sweating?

Plan your day the night before.

One trick that has worked for me is to lay out the clothes I will wear the night before. This has saved me 20 minutes in the morning trying to figure out what to wear.

You could also lay out your gym clothes if you visit the gym before starting your day.

Plan and be in bed on time.

This will help you to avoid oversleeping or hitting the snooze button.

Check out our latest podcast!

Does this help?

I would love to hear from you. Let me know if you have any questions. You can reach me at [email protected].

Stay FIERCE. I love you,

Ugochi

PS > A new episode of the podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform. This week I speak to the fabulous Blossom Maduafokwa, who gives tips on staying vibrant and full of life. I am in awe of this woman. She is so energetic, and you have to listen to her tips. I came away from our chat inspired and determined to stay on track with my goals. She is amazing.

Finding one’s purpose isn’t usually easy and often takes years of exploration, experimenting, and divine intervention. For Blossom, a chance encounter at a gym she was attending helped her start her fitness training and Zumba company called Blossom’s Fitness Hub.

Click on podfollow.com/fiercemothers to access the latest episode. Please like and subscribe, so you don’t miss any new updates.

This Weeks Checklist

Here is a quick checklist to keep you on track this week:

• Build in a buffer

• Plan your day the night before

• Plan and be in bed on time