ARE YOU TIMELOCKED?

To determine the degree to which time pressure influences your life, take this self-scoring quiz (which is adapted from the questionnaire used to research Timelock). Answer all questions by circling the number of the best alternative, even if no single answer feels exactly right.

1) In a typical week, how often do you wear or carry a watch?

1. regularly 2. part of the time 3. occasionally

4. almost never

2) How many hours do you sleep in an average week night?

1.  5 or less  2.  6   3.  7   4.  8 or more

 

3) When driving, how often do you exceed the speed limit?

1. regularly 2. often 3. seldom 4. almost never

 

4) As you approach a stoplight while driving, if a green light turns to yellow, are you most likely to:

1. speed up to get through before it turns to red

4. slow down and wait for the next green light

 

WHICH STATEMENT BEST DESCRIBES YOUR ATTITUDE?

 

5) 1. When I have a train or plane to catch, I like to arrive as closely as possible to the scheduled departure time so I won't have to waste time sitting around.

 

4. I always try to leave extra time to get to an airport or train station so I won't have to worry about missing a train or flight.

 

6) 1. At a restaurant, I like my food to arrive as soon as possible after I've ordered.

 

4. I don't mind waiting a few minutes for the food I've ordered at a restaurant.

 

7) 1. What I like about microwave ovens is that they cut way down on the amount of time it takes to prepare meals.

 

4. I'd rather spend extra time preparing meals than use a microwave oven on a regular basis.

 

8) 1. I often use a remote control device to scan a lot of television channels so I can see what's on.

 

4. To me a remote control device is a convenient tool for turning the television on or off from a distance, adjusting the volume or occasionally changing channels.

 

9) 1. I like the lively pace of today's television programs.

4. I have trouble keeping up with the pace of today's television programs.

 

10) 1. With so many other demands on my time, I find it hard to keep up friendships.

4. I try to make time to see my friends on a regular basis.

 

11) Compared to your life ten years ago, would you say you have more or less leisure time?

1. less  2. about the same  3. a bit more  4. a lot more

 

12) How would you compare the amount of time you spend running errands today with the amount you spent ten years ago?

1. more  2. about the same  3. somewhat less  4. a lot less

 

13) During the past year, how many books would you estimate you've read from beginning to end?

1. 0-2   2. 3-5   3. 6-10   4. 11 or more

 

14) How good are you at glancing at your watch or a clock without anyone else noticing?

1. very good  2. good  3. fair  4. not good at all

15) How would you rate your ability to conduct a conversation and appear tobe paying attention while thinking about something else at the same time?

1. excellent  2. good  3. fair  4. poor

 

16) How often do you find yourself interrupting the person with whom you're talking?

1. regularly  2. often  3. occasionally  4. rarely

 

17) When talking on the telephone, are you more likely to:

1. do paperwork, wash dishes or some other chore

2. straighten up the surrounding area

3. do small personal tasks (e.g., file nails, re-set watch)

4. do nothing else

 

18) In an average week, how many evening or weekend hours do you spend working overtime or on work you've brought home?

1. 16 or more  2.  11-15  3.  6-10  4.  0-5

 

19) During a typical weekend, do you engage primarily in:

1. work for income

2. household chores and errands

3. leisure activities

4. catching up on sleep and relaxing

 

20) In a typical year, how many weeks of paid vacation do you take?

1. 1 or less   2.  2   3.  3   4  4 or more

 

21) On the whole do you find vacations:

1. frustrating  2. tedious  3. relaxing  4. rejuvenating

 

22) How often do you find yourself wishing you had more time to spend with family members or friends?

1. constantly  2. often  3. occasionally  4. almost never

 

23) During a typical day, how often do feel rushed?

1. constantly  2. often  3. occasionally  4. almost never

 

24) Which statement best describes your usual daily schedule?

1. there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything Ihave to do

2. on the whole I have just about enough time to do what I have to do

3. I can usually do the things I have to do with time leftover

4. the day seems to have more hours than I'm able to fill

 

25) During the past year would you say that your life has grown:

1. busier 2. about the same 3. somewhat less busy

4. a lot less busy

 

SCORING: Add up the total of all numbers circled.

• A score between 25-40 indicates you are TIMELOCKED;
• 41-55,PRESSED FOR TIME;
• 56-71, IN BALANCE;
• 72-86, TIME ON HANDS.