Being Conscientious
I'm in a reflective mood.
Today I was introduced to a concept that's still got me thinking... it's the idea that being organized and on time and predictable is being "conscientious." Maybe that's obvious to most of you, but to me, those feel like disconnected things. I think of conscientiousness as being empathetic, polite, and pleasant. Still... I get it. Being on time is a way of being polite, though I don't feel rude when I'm late. I'm just being me, and most of me is pretty good, so kiss my ass, you know?
But that's a childish way to see myself in the world. I am not a set of unalterable traits, and I don't weaken the good ones by working on the bad. Sure, would take effort to improve the bad ones. But here's the thing: I've found, in most cases, that even making a trivial effort has grand results. Like, I feel better just for trying.
For example, I'm bad at predicting how long things will take to complete. Can I get better at that? Sure. To get there, I'd need to start measuring things. How long does it really take me to get to the rec center for karate? To improve the design of a hideous 25 slide PowerPoint deck? To do a load of laundry? At this moment... I don't know. Sure, I can look at my phone's map and see how long the drive will be to the rec center, but... how long does it really take for me to get ready to go? Is my gi clean? Where are my wallet and glasses? Have I taken my meds? Drunk a large glass of water? Do I have enough gas in the car? And poof I'm 15 minutes late.
Oh well, that's just Rick. But does it have to be, for the rest of my life?
I don't think so.