“If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.”

I used this learning to ‘be early’ a lot last year.

You can apply this to anything you are working on.

Here is what you get when you embrace this mindset!

YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISE

When people engage you for work whether in a job or as a hired expert they buy into an untold promise. The promise that you will give them the work that is equal to or better in quality than what they saw before they engaged you. If you break this promise people will lose trust in your ability to keep your promises.

YOU EXPERIENCE LESS STRESS

Isn’t it good to go for a walk or on a date without worrying about a looming deadline? It is in your hands. Take this chance.

YOU BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

When you finish early 1) you create good quality work because you are able to review and improve; and 2) you are able to pull people, projects, and your team up. The world needs such people. Why don’t you be that person?

YOU GET A CHANCE TO HELP OTHERS

It is a good thing. If you are in a give and take game then giving first is a good business practice.

Also, when you have an ‘do early’ mindset you find space after and before – what you do.

You can use this space to do anything you want.

You can rest and recuperate and come back sharper for whatever is next.

You can take a guiltfree trip alone or with those who matter.

You can work on a passion project.

Most important!

When you don’t have a deadline to meet, you can think about your mission, about making an impact and touching more lives.