Over 60 Exchange

Growing up in the 1950's and 1960's, I do not remember much of the little details but I do remember always being busy. My parents were firm believers in "chores" and in getting things done on time. They were also strong on personal responsibility and doing what you said you would do. If you had a chore to do, get it done. If you failed to get it done, do not make any excuses and accept the consequences without crying about it. This is how I was raised and it has always been a positive asset in my life ever since.

Later in life, after graduating from college, I would enter military service with the United States Army. Here is where I had the attitude of "self-discipline" pounded into my brain. This is the type of discipline required when you are a team member and the lives of your fellow team members rely on you just as much as you rely on them. Interestingly enough, the attitude of personal responsibility taught to me by my parents and the attitude of self discipline taught to me by the military were exactly alike. They both required me to do what I said I would do. No excuses for failure but taking personal responsibility.

Later in my aviation career, I would have the experience of flying passengers in a charter helicopter business. We would pick people up at a location they designated and drop them off at a destination they selected. Our goal was always to be on time. Perhaps we would be early but never late. Not surprisingly, it was usually the passengers that would be late, however, that did not matter. Our job was to be on time. That was our responsibility.
What amazes me today is the lack of respect people have for other people. For example, not showing up on time for an appointment, not being available when a phone conference is scheduled, not following through on getting something done when a commitment has been made, not calling when you know you are going to be late and not taking responsibility while making all kinds of excuses why something did not get done are all very disturbing. Since when has it become fashionable to be irresponsible? To me the term 'fashionably late' only describes a lack of respect and irresponsibility in a person.

In summary, sure things happen to affect our lives and schedules. We are not automated machines programmed to do things at specific times and that is exactly my point. We are not machines. We can think. Thinking about the other person is something that is a human trait. Following through on a commitment to another person is not only the right thing to do, it is the most responsible and respectful thing to do. Do not be the one who fails. Let the other person fail to meet their commitment to you but do not let yourself fail to meet your commitment to them. The people you deal with that matter, who are important in your life will respect you all the more. Plus you will feel much better about yourself in the process.