Waiting until the last minute

In a nutshell: don’t.

Bad situations to wait until the last minute:

  • Catching a transcontinental flight
  • Asking your secret crush to the prom
  • Applying for a summer internship
  • Setting customer expectations
  • Studying for the SATs
  • Saving for retirement
  • Giving up smoking
  • Asking for a raise
  • Teaching ethical behavior to your kids
  • Winning a primary
  • Asking for directions
  • Sharing an idea

And, for balance, two times when it pays:

  • Bidding in an eBay auction
  • Giving up hope