I was nearly born at sea. My parents were making their weary way across the ocean after spending many years in South America. Their chosen transport was the slowest viable form available, and they arrived at Tilbury docks just in time for my sister and I to enter the world. It was a classic case of cutting it fine.
Some people love to live their lives on the edge, leaving everything to the last minute. My Myers Briggs profile suggests that I fall into that category, and it is pretty accurate. Perhaps my parents’ example rubbed off on me. In their case however, being deeply religious people, they always felt that ‘The Lord will provide’, whereas I am less inclined to put my faith in divine intervention.
Cutting it fine isn’t a crime or a sickness. It isn’t always a sign of chaos or anarchy. In order to cut things fine, you actually have to be incredibly organised, and have analysed what will be involved in getting over the line. In supply chain terms, this even has its own name, ‘Just in Time’, ensuring that stocks are not sitting idly in warehouses for weeks or months before they are needed. It makes sense, but it can be scary, especially for onlookers.
Ultimately, we have to ask ourselves if starting and delivering early is going to serve us well. I speak as a father of two very premature babies, so perhaps I’m biased. I’d rather deliver when needed and arrive on time.