#265: When Plans Change (Friday, January 27)

I once read somewhere the Japanese believe that each moment happens only once. So they drink tea to celebrate the beauty and specialness of the moment. Think about that. Even if you read this again tomorrow, wearing the same clothes at the same time, it won't be the same moment as today.

So it's very important to capitalize on the moments you do have. But understandably, things change and the plans you make with others may not always come to fruition. Nevertheless, there is a thoughtful way to address a change of plans or a cancellation. Make these tips part of your everyday guide:

• If you need to change plans, proactively give the other party as much notice as possible; it is inconsiderate to change plans when the other party contacts you to confirm
• If you will be later than expected, offer the party the opportunity to reschedule for another day
• Acceptable reasons to change plans include: an emergency, illness, death or work (if keeping your job depends on it)
• Unacceptable reasons to change plans include: you don't feel like it*; you've received a better offer
• Try not to change plans more than once; you lose your credibility after the first couple of times
• Try to avoid changing plans for events that are difficult to reschedule (tickets to an event on a specific day) or required a lot of pre-planning (a trip abroad, events at someone's home)

*I'm also very superstitious, so I believe that if you get the feeling that you shouldn't go somewhere, go with your gut. BUT you should use that excuse only once every 10 years. LOL.