Are you a tidsoptimist? or a tidpessimist?

I had not heard these words until recently and was intrigued, curious. What did they mean?

Tidoptimist is of Swedish origin and translates to a ‘time optimist’. However, the traditional dictionary defines it as a person who is habitually late as they think they have more time than they actually do.

I hate being late and almost always arrive early no matter the event or meeting. This might be because I lived with someone who was always late and when we did arrive I would make excuses. When we split up I arrived at an event to hear the host say ‘oh she’s always late’!! I promptly corrected her and finally was able to say that I was always kept late by my partner!! Since then I arrive early and ensure that there is sufficient time for travel etc.

Now you all know me by now and I always like to be positive where I can and there is another meaning for tidsoptimist which does put a more positive angle on the word. The positive meaning is that a person who is a tidsoptimist is someone who has drive and a passion for life. Such an individual can’t say no because they want to do everything, be involved in everything, be everyone’s friend. They are fearless, diving into uncertain situations and energised with joy and bouncing to the rescue, never too busy to help. Does this positive meaning resonate with you? It does for me. I tend to do this but I have learned over the years that I need to make time for ME. Why not check out my recent podcast episode ‘How to still your mind’.

However, no matter how enthusiastic someone is there can be a price to pay, such as, missed deadlines, hurried sloppy work, late arrivals more often than not due to unrealistic expectations.

You probably know people who are tidsoptimists or you might be one. You will also no doubt know the tidpessimist. These individuals are over-cautious, tend to say no to everything ‘just in case’!

I want you to know the difference between these two types of individuals as not being able to identify the type leads to stress in relationships and even productivity in the workplace. Of course you have to be able to identify which type YOU are and this requires you to be self-aware. Self-awareness is the first topic of my Wellbeing series of books.

Of course when I talk about problems and stress in relationships whether in work or in life in general I am talking about the ‘extremes’ of these types. We will all be somewhat tidsoptimist or tidpessimist depending on different situations.

Take a moment to think about someone you know or work with. Are they on the extreme end of either of the tidsoptimist or tidpessimist? Or do you recognise yourself in either of these extremes?

Don’t over-worry as there is no right or wrong type just try to not be at the extreme end of the ‘tids’.

Self-awareness is key. If you are not aware of yourself, you can’t possibly be aware or recognise the type of individual someone else is.

Once you are self-aware you can make positive changes and adopt different behaviours. Take control of who you are.

Time flies but remember you are the pilot (adapted from Michael Altshuler); or in the words of the Rolling Stones ‘time waits for no-one’.

START NOW. It’s never too late and virtual hugs to you all.