They say money isn’t everything, but if you don’t have it, it sure does feel like everything. The same concept applies to time. Yet, unlike everything else in this world we can’t reproduce time – we can only master how to best use it. Although it is free, many of us dispense and misuse the most important asset we have. Like it or not, how we spend our time is correlated to how organized, determined and willful we are. These constructs inevitably inform how successful we will be. So why are we so accepting of and exercise “CPT” a/k/a colored people’s time?
Where It Started
Believed to be coined in the early 1900’s by the African American community, “CPT” is an American stereotype that asserts that people of color are habitually and chronically late. While it is a stereotype, I believe it has become a wildly accepted cultural norm. Dr. Egli Colon, a professor and author states “punctuality has taken a back seat to egocentrism. CPT is a convenient excuse used when your personal agenda is more important the another’s most prized resource: time.” Dr. Colon goes on to say that a fierce change of habit needs to occur if one wants to advance and be competitive in one’s chosen career. While we are increasingly busier these days with competing priorities, we all can improve on when we show up – literally.
If you want to be better, check out some tips on how to be more punctual after the jump.
Look to Influencers
Sure, the occasional joke or reference to CPT when you are no doubt late to an engagement with your friends may seem okay, but you are in fact reinforcing a habit that can present in other areas of your life – like your career. Do you think folks like Jorge Ramos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, J.Lo and even your mom are at the top of their game because they bullshitted around and were undisciplined with their time? The tip here is to reference the lives of those you admire and shift accordingly to improve your behaviors around punctuality.
Walk It Like You Talk It
At the heart of chronic lateness is the fact that you did not honor what you said you were going to do – show up. Punto. What does that mean for you? If you do not exercise integrity, what you are doing is dimming your light and lighting the path for someone else who will show up on time and perhaps surpass you or take your place. It’s often said that time flies, but what is not said, yet is very crucial is that it leaves a shadow. In the workplace your word is your bond and it will follow you.
Assess Your Values
You’ve heard of or said the phrase “don’t waste my time.” There is nothing more disrespectful and unprofessional than infringing on someone else’s time, especially in the workplace. Ask yourself what your core values are. Loyalty? Integrity? Respect? Accountability? Periodically (re)assessing your core values will provide greater causation around your behaviors.
Plan, Plan, Plan
If your lateness is chronic, then it is now a decision. To counterbalance you simply need to plan. If you’re constantly late to work, then iron your clothes for the week, prep your gym clothes/bag and pre cook your lunches and freeze them on Sunday evenings. Set two alarm clocks – your TV and your phone. Whatever works for you. Those that fail to plan, plan to fail.
Bottom Line
When you constantly lean on CPT to justify your inconsideration, what you are essentially saying is that the other person(s) time is less valuable than yours. While your crew may be more accepting, your boss or team may disagree. Be intentional about being punctual or you may have more time than you will ever need – on the unemployment line.