Never Be Late Again: The SEAL’s Guide to Time Mastery

Being late isn’t a scheduling issue—it’s a character issue.

That’s the hard truth most people avoid. They blame traffic, overcommitment, or forgetfulness. But in reality, chronic lateness is a reflection of how you value time, how aware you are, and how seriously you take your word.

In The Impossible Life Podcast Ep. 205, Garrett and Nick break down how the Navy SEALs taught Garrett to master time—and how you can apply those same principles to your own life.

“Time is one of the greatest tells of whether or not you respect yourself and others.” — Garrett

This isn’t just about showing up on time. It’s about developing the discipline, awareness, and intentionality that makes you a trustworthy leader.

Step 1: Assign the Right Value to Time

People don’t have time problems. They have value problems.

When you’re late, you’re saying:

• “My time is more important than yours.”

• “I don’t take this seriously.”

• “I’m not in control of my life.”

“Chronic lateness is low-level thinking. It says your feelings are more important than your credibility.” — Nick

Garrett shares how in the SEAL Teams, being late wasn’t an option. Why? Because lateness costs lives. But in everyday life, lateness still costs something—trust.

Your ability to manage time reflects your ability to manage responsibility. If you want to be taken seriously, start by taking time seriously.

“When someone can’t manage time, I know I can’t trust them with anything important.” — Garrett

It’s not just about punctuality. It’s about honor—honoring your commitments, your relationships, and the mission God has given you.

Step 2: Train Time Awareness

You can’t manage what you’re not aware of.

Most people are late because they lack an internal clock. They guess how long things take—and guess wrong. But just like strength or speed, time awareness is a skill you can train.

“Time mastery isn’t a gift—it’s a trained ability.” — Garrett

In SEAL training, Garrett learned to measure time under pressure. One example? Pistol drills with a stopwatch. You had to hit targets within seconds—or fail. That kind of intensity sharpens your awareness fast.

You can do this in real life:

• Estimate how long things take—and check yourself

• Practice hitting time goals with small tasks

• Challenge yourself to be precise, not casual

The goal is to build an internal rhythm that becomes second nature. And once you have that, lateness becomes a choice—not a mistake.

“Awareness is the foundation of discipline. If you don’t see it, you can’t change it.” — Nick

Step 3: Plan Backward and Build Buffers

SEAL missions don’t start with what’s convenient. They start with the end objective—and work backward.

“You start with when it has to happen. Then you reverse-engineer every step to make it work.” — Garrett

This is how you should plan your time:

• Identify your arrival time or objective

• Work backward: How long does each step take?

• Build in buffers for the unexpected

• Set checkpoints to keep yourself accountable

Garrett calls these “set points”—moments that keep you on track. Whether it’s leaving the house, packing your bag, or setting an alarm, each one buys you margin.

And margin is what separates the rushed from the ready.

“The prepared man doesn’t fear time. He controls it.” — Garrett

This applies to more than meetings. It works in parenting, travel, church, business—every area of life improves when you plan backward.

Final Thoughts: Time Mastery Is a Character Issue

If you want to live a life of purpose, you have to master your time.

Not just to be efficient—but to be trustworthy.
Not just to show up on time—but to show up as a leader.

This isn’t about becoming rigid. It’s about becoming reliable.

“A man who’s late is a man who hasn’t mastered himself.” — The Impossible Life

Here’s the challenge:

• Value time like it matters—because it does

• Train your awareness daily

• Plan backward with buffers and set points

If you do, you won’t just be on time.
You’ll be ready—every time it counts.