The Fashionably Late Trap
I used to be “fashionably late” to everything. Turns out the only thing fashionable about it was how consistently I annoyed people. I’d tell myself, “Relax, it’s just ten minutes,” while someone else’s respect meter was labeling me “disrespectful.”
The Inner Truth About Punctuality
I learned punctuality isn’t about being on time. It’s about respecting other people’s time.
In my Lead and Bond With Purpose workshop, I always say: “No matter what your top values are, never step on someone else’s values of respect and fairness. Those are emotional landmines.”
Being late may seem small, but it often triggers an emotional reaction. Logic fades. Their primitive brain whispers, “You don’t value me.” Their amygdala takes over. And when it happens often, it doesn’t just annoy them, it quietly pushes people away and lowers your standing in their eyes.
The Whistle That Inspired
One of the biggest lessons I ever received on punctuality came wrapped in a whistle. I was fashionably late (yes, still in denial back then) to the first session of Dr. Thiagi’sfacilitation and gamification course.
He did not pause, did not rewind, and did not make a fuss. He just smiled warmly and said, “Welcome.” Then he blew a train whistle. Yes, an actual whistle. And said, “The train must always go on time. You must be respectful and honor the people who come on time.”
That was it. Message received. No guilt trip, just clarity. From that moment, everyone, including yours truly, was in their seat before the clock even blinked. Ever since, I do the same when I conduct my workshops.
My Personal Transformation
I had to change. I adopted a new mantra:
“Before Time Because On time is too late.” ~ Avi Liran
I forced myself to leave earlier to arrive 15 or preferably 30 minutes ahead. My team’s new challenge? Finding great eating spots close to my guests’ next meeting so they could relax and never be late for what’s next.
Dealing with a Chronically Late Intern
Ever quit smoking and suddenly become sensitive to smoke? That was me with lateness. “Reformed Avi” became allergic to being late. On the rare occasion that I’m late, I feel terrible, inform in advance, and make sure I pay the bill.
I tried to pass this urgency to my intern Ken, a creative soul who treated punctuality like it was optional.
I tried logic: “Ken, would you be late to a full-time job interview after graduation? “Of course not,” he answered. “So you respect your future boss more than your current one?”
I reminded him that mobile internet means no excuses. You can prep, reply, or read on the go. Being early keeps you safe and avoids unnecessary stress. Rain, floods, traffic, detours—life happens. But when you leave early, you show up calm, collected, and on time.
Ken nodded, smiled, and… still showed up late. Almost daily. Daniel and I were this close to doing our own amygdala hijack.
The Pushup Solution and The Sweet Payoff
Eventually, we made a deal with Ken. One pushup for every minute late. Not just him. All of us. Ken, Daniel Lee, and I. Ken was a commando, so for him it was a light warm-up. For us? We had to sweat. But seeing his seniors drop and grunt beside him? That did it. Within a week, Ken was early. Not just on time, but Before Time. Because on time is too late.
Today, Ken Loo is a hotshot financial advisor. He got his MDRT status in his first year. Over lunch, he told me, “I owe my MDRT status to learning from you to always be before time.”
Last week we had a reunion. Ken showed up two minutes early. We laughed. We reminisced. And yes, we dropped to the floor and did our pushups like the old times, just for this post.
In the same year when we did our push-ups, in October 2018, hundreds of armed Ethiopian soldiers stormed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office demanding better pay. His response? “Drop your guns and give me ten pushups.” Then he joined them.
Within minutes, the PM was sweating through his shirt, doing pushups next to inspired and enthusiastic soldiers in red berets. The potential coup became a group workout. Guns got ditched, everyone started laughing, crisis over.
Always be ahead of time. “On time” is already too late. The “Before Time” mentality gives you space to breathe, think, prepare, and stay calm. You can still work while waiting. The only thing you lose is stress. Plus, when your guest arrives late, they might feel obligated to pay the bill.
