The Secret to Being Fully Present? Arrive Early

"If you arrive on time, you're there for yourself. If you arrive early, you're there for others."

My friend Jeff shared this with me a while back. I have never forgotten it. I watch as Jeff lives this out everyday.

Earlier in my career I had a tendency of thinking I could squeeze one more activity, one more call, one more email, one more check off my "to-do" list, before heading off to my next appointment. And this resulted in me feeling rushed, and showing up just on time (or even a few minutes late) with no margin.

And it was something I wanted to change. Needed to change. Not only for the people I was meeting, but for myself.

We honor people by arriving early, because we need some time to "reset", to set aside what came before, and to be fully present with what is now required of us. We show value in them by showing up and being prepared, not rushing in with an apology about traffic or scheduling challenges.

"If you arrive on time, you're there for yourself. If you arrive early, you're there for others."

Leaving yourself "margin" by arriving early on the front side of a meeting allows you to connect with the person before you dive into the purpose or the project.

What's your experience been with this reality? Is your tendency to sneak in 1 or 2 more activities before your meetings? What does it feel like when you arrive right on time or even a few minutes late? Are you flustered? Can you focus? Love your thoughts below.

I am grateful for my friend Jeff, and others, who have showed me by their words and actions the value of being early, prepared, and present. It's who I want to be, and I can honestly say, who I am becoming.