SO - YOUR APPOINTMENT CANCELLED

There are so many obstacles and changes in a daily schedule.  Not just changes with you but, with everyone else.  It's not just about your schedule-your time-your day.  When someone cancels an appointment with you-hopefully, they have given you ample notice-you have a few choices to modify your schedule.  When this has happened to me, I had quite a few different responses.  

One response was frustration.  Especially, when I had gone through great strides to accommodate the appointment.  Another, was relief.  There have been times when I had way too many appointments scheduled for the day and too little time planned to do work.  The worst of situations has been when someone didn't reach out to me to let me know they were unable to meet as agreed.  OR, when I have traveled a long distance wasting valuable time.  BUT, what I have also learned-much like other forms of communications with others-the responsibility partly falls on my shoulders.  

This may be a bit difficult to swallow but, I feel my schedule is MY responsibility.  The week before an appointment or the day before is a great time to reach out to confirm the appointment time.  It is also an opportunity to get an update of the event or add/delete an idea-maybe change the agenda.  There may be something you learned in the interim to be able to share some knowledge or information.  Reminder emails or phone calls or texts come in handy-depending on your other parties form of communication and what works best for them.  When scheduling the appointment, ask the other party what form on communication they prefer.  This detail can save you both time and aggravation as well as show the other party you have an interest in them.  This small investment in the beginning of a relationship can pay off as the relationship develops.

When the appointment cancellation is acknowledged, this may also open a new opportunity.  Check the rest of your appointments.  Is there another appointment you can schedule or a phone conversation or introduction you can make?  Take a look at that last appointment of the day to move it up to the time you now have open. OR, is this a gift of time for your advantage: to make a lunch date, sit outside, enjoy the weather and take a walk?  

 The cancellation can open the door for something unplanned-a bit out of your ordinary day.  A cancellation can provide an opportunity to end your day early to spend time with friends, family, or get the car washed.    Perhaps this is your appointment with self you have been overlooking for far too long.  Take advantage of your new found time-embrace it and enjoy it.  You are so deserving!