Many of us engage in fantasy planning.

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We schedule our day, often over-promising on individual tasks and activities, but also not allowing extra time for the unknown. Consequently, at the end of the day, we feel disappointed when what we actually accomplished has little resemblance to our original plan.

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One important step to not only feeling more satisfied, both during and at the end of the day, but also in having our daily results more closely match our plan, is to consistently schedule 'time buffers.'

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How much time buffer do you need?

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It might be as little as 30-45 minutes, or you may need one to three hours on some days.

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The eight benefits of time buffers

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Note: there are many important types of buffer; time buffers are just one of these.

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1. Even with under promising on your tasks and activities, you still might need more time with some of them. With time buffers, that's often "no worries."

2. It would be onerous, inefficient, or even impossible to anticipate time for everything, such as bathroom breaks or taking five minutes for an unscheduled call from a friend.

3. Unexpected emergencies may arise during the day. With time buffers, these can often be handled without significantly impacting your plans for the day.

4. Unexpected opportunities may arise during the day. With time buffers, you'll often be able to cash in on these opportunities without significantly impacting your plans for the day.

5. Knowing you've "got plenty of time" you'll be able to provide the maximum focus for giving a task or activity its due. 

6. You'll be able to be more present and attentive with any people that you are working with. Others are more likely to enjoy working and collaborating with you, especially since you're going to be better at fulfilling your agreements with them. You're going to have a better reputation with others (and yourself).

7. You'll have enough time so it'll be more likely that your Now can thoroughly get into enjoying the processes of your daily tasks and activities.

8. You'll be able to say to others that, instead of being busy, you're leisurely busy, creating a journey of life that you love and, at the same time, getting just as much if not more done.

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Adequate time buffers are one essential for creating Now-Next Integrity.