“Being known for being late is not a good reputation to have. I should know because I’m the protagonist in the novel, Time & Consequences In this thematic book concerning time management, you will discover how I was able to overcome my biggest nemesis, lateness. I must admit that I struggled daily with my time blindness but so do others in the real world who deal with this dilemma. If you don’t think so, check out the book review made by Rafael G. Lopez in the Revised 2023 English Edition of this novel.”
—— Turquoise Nez Timerhorn
What is Time Blindness?
In a world filled with deadlines, meetings, and appointments, the ability to manage time effectively is crucial for success. However, for many people, this skill seems elusive. Dr. Russell Barkley, a clinical psychologist, first coined the terminology “time blindness“. This expression refers to the inability to properly sense or manage the passage of time. People who struggle with this condition find it difficult to estimate how long tasks will take or prioritize their schedules. Frequently, this leads to chronic lateness, missed deadlines, lost of friendships and stress.
Dr. Stephanie Sarkis PhD NCC DCMHS LMHC is a best-selling author who also speaks about time blindness. On a recent May 24th 2024 podcast, she shared her thoughts on this topic.
One Location: Different Departure Times
Let’s examine this concept through a real-world scenario. Imagine a patient visiting a hospital to see her doctor. The appointment time is scheduled for 3 PM ET. The patient was told to arrive at 2:45 PM ET. She checks in promptly at 2:45 PM ET and is told by the receptionist that the doctor will see her shortly. However, the doctor is running late, and instead of being seen at 3 PM, the patient has to wait until 4 PM. The visit is brief, lasting only 30 minutes, and she leaves the office at 4:30 PM. Unfortunately, this experience is all too common and demonstrates a form of time blindness on the part of the healthcare provider. Now, don’t get me wrong, this doctor is caring, efficient, through and a very good listener. This doctor is quick to return my phone calls and I would not see any other doctor. But, I know when I visit this doctor’s office, I’m in a “No Judgement Zone”. I bring my book to read while I wait, and wait, and wait . . .
In order to be a time management practitioner, overcoming time blindness is an essential first step, don’t you think so?
Now, contrast this with a subsequent visit to a laboratory for X-rays in the same location as the doctor’s office. The same patient is scheduled to arrive by 5:15 PM ET, and her X-rays are to be taken at 5:30 PM ET. She arrives on time at the designated scheduled time of 5:15 PM and checks in. At 5:30 PM, her name is being called to have the X-rays done as scheduled. By 5:45 PM, she is already leaving the lab. The difference is clear. While the doctor struggled with time management, causing a significant delay, the laboratory staff followed their schedule with precision, ensuring the patient’s time was respected.
The stark contrast highlights the importance of becoming a time management practitioner. While there are uncontrollable factors that can cause delays in any field, the ability to manage time well is key to reducing such occurrences. The doctor’s office and the staff there might learn best practices from the Lab Department.
The Importance of Time Management in Healthcare
Have you ever been in this situation like this?
The healthcare field is particularly susceptible to time management challenges. Some patients require more time to speak with their doctor and as excellent doctors know they will be flexibility with the amount of time they spend with each patient. However, a doctor’s inability to maintain an organized schedule not only impacts the patient’s experience but also affects their own productivity. In the scenario above, the delay in the doctor’s schedule not only frustrated the patient but may have caused a backlog of appointments, throwing the entire day off course. I know when I visit certain doctors, I always carry a book with me to read or I listen to one of my audio books with my head set on.
In contrast, the laboratory staff were more adept at time management. They understood the value of time management skills and ensured that the patient’s X-rays was taken promptly at the scheduled time. By sticking to a structured timetable, they were able to serve the patient efficiently and maintain a smooth workflow throughout the day.
Can Turquoise Solve Her Punctuality Dilemma?
Read the novel, Time & Consequences to find out whether Turquoise Nez Timerhorn, the main character was able to beat the odds against her time blindness and which methods she used. Is time blindness a bridge or a wedge between people?
Let us start the conversation concerning whether “Time Blindness” is real or not. Be kind with your words. Share your thoughts.
M. Lauryn Alexander is the author of the novel, Time & Consequences and you can follow her on Goodreads. She is founder of Success Essentials Inc® an innovative company that specializes in teaching English to English Language Learners (ELL) and Career Coaching for Advancement™.
