"من الأفضل أن تكون قبل الموعد بثلاث ساعات من أن تتأخر دقيقة واحدة"

Being early is always better than being even a minute late. That's what this quote boils down to. It's about the importance of punctuality and the value of being prepared ahead of time. Think about showing up for a job interview. Arriving early gives you time to compose yourself, review your notes, and maybe even chat with the receptionist to get a feel for the company culture. Arrive late, however, and you’re flustered, stressed, and have already made a poor impression.

Historically, this mindset has been crucial in many fields. Take the military, for instance. Armies often operate on strict schedules, where being even a minute late can mean the difference between success and failure. This idea of punctuality isn't just about being on time; it's about respecting others’ time and the opportunities that come with being punctual.

Let’s dive into a practical example. Imagine you’re going to an important business meeting across town. You plan to leave your house with just enough time to get there, but then—traffic. A small accident has blocked the main road, and now you're stuck. You end up arriving ten minutes late, frazzled and apologetic. Not a great look, right? Now, if you had left just a little earlier, you’d have had some buffer time to deal with unforeseen circumstances. You’d walk into that meeting calm, collected, and ready to impress.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by planning ahead. If you have an appointment or an event, aim to arrive 15-30 minutes early. This means accounting for potential delays. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. You’ll find yourself less stressed and more prepared. Plus, you’ll earn a reputation for being reliable — and that’s priceless.

Let’s bring this idea to life with a story. Picture Sarah, a college student with a final exam in a class she’s struggling in. This exam is make-or-break for her grade. On the day of the test, she sets three alarms, just in case the first two fail. She leaves her apartment an hour early, even though the campus is only 20 minutes away. She arrives with plenty of time to spare, so she reviews her notes one last time and calms her nerves. Contrast this with her friend, Jake, who leaves just 30 minutes before the exam. He’s counting on everything going perfectly. But then, his bus gets stuck in traffic. He arrives five minutes late, sweating and stressed, missing valuable test time and rattling his concentration.

This approach of “better early than late” isn’t just about time management; it’s about setting yourself up for success. Being early means you’re prepared for surprises, respectful of other people’s time, and in control of your own schedule. It’s a small habit that can lead to big changes in how people perceive you and how you navigate your daily life.

So, next time you have somewhere important to be, remember Sarah and Jake. Think about the choice you have: the calm, collected arrival or the frantic, last-minute dash. Choose to give yourself that extra time. You’ll thank yourself later.