If running late is more of a habit than a once off, you can change your behavior by focusing and planning. Are you always rushing around? No matter how hard you try, do you always seem to be running late? Has winding your watch forward only made it even worse?
Most people run late because they simply have no idea how long it takes to get ready and how long it takes to get to their destination. They underestimate everything. Simple optimism? It's more likely a sign of unrealistic expectations.
To correct you bad habit, you first have to make yourself fully aware of the extent of what you're doing. So keep a written record for a week – how often do you run late and by how long? While you may be surprised by what you notice, your partner and friends may not be!
Then you must plan your time. Work out how long it takes you to do everything, including getting to and from work, school, the shops or wherever you need to go, and factoring in time for traffic. Then decide what time you need to be where, and work backwards from there.
Sound easy? Maybe, but there's a lot more to punctuality than just planning your time.
Stay focused
Remember the goal is to get out the door or to leave the office at a specific time. Resist the urge to 'straighten things up a bit' or make a quick phone call before you leave. Don't even answer the phone if it rings if you want to be on time. Use a kitchen timer or the alarm on your mobile if you need a reminder to just go.
Don't over-commit
Agreeing to meet a friend for a drink after work but before you're due at a school function is asking for trouble. That friend would rather see you at another time when you're relaxed and not constantly checking your watch.
Do one thing at a time
Women may be great at multitasking, but it's not good for them. Sending an email while chatting on the phone and keeping an eye on the TV might seem easy, but you won't be doing anything well. Concentrate on the task at hand and you'll be more efficient and less stressed.
Stop procrastinating
If you find you're watching the news on TV instead of getting ready to leave the house, you should ask yourself these question: Am I avoiding something or someone? Am I worried about tonight? Am I upset with the friend I am seeing? Sometimes being late can be an indication there's an issue you're not facing. It might be necessary to confront that fear of social situations or that stressful workplace before you're able to run on time.
And finally
Tell you friends and family you're turning over a new leaf. That way, you will be on record saying you're determined to make some positive changes, and it will be much harder to keep making the same old excuses.
What's Related