How to Never be Late Again
You have tried every time management strategy, but you never seem to arrive anywhere on time. Follow these tips and kick the lateness habit.
The tips and advice in this article are based on the book, "Never Be Late Again, 7 Cures for the Punctually Challenged," by Diana DeLonzor.
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Instructions
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Address the root problem. Do you like the adrenaline rush when you are running late? Are you a constant procrastinator? Do you try to fit too much into the day? Chronically late people are usually late for the same reason over and over. Determine the real problem and start there.
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Decide you want to change. Notice the effect your tardiness is having on your life, your family and your work. Stop making excuses for your lateness and make a promise to yourself that you will change.
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Verbally announce you're trying to change. Ask friends and family to help you be on time. Expect them to be cynical but accept their help and constructive criticism. Mark it on your calendar.
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Relearn how long it takes you to complete a project or task. If you think it takes you 20 minutes to drive to work, clock yourself for a full week. How often did it really take 20 minutes?
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Set a timer for some projects such as checking email, doing laundry, paying bills, talking on the phone or reading. Allot yourself 30 minutes and finish immediately when the timer goes off.
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Eliminate distractions. Does the phone ring every time you're getting ready to leave? Don't answer it. Do you try to complete one last task before you leave the house? Don't do it.
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Be early. Don't aim to arrive right on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. This allows you extra time for traffic or emergencies. Notice how nice it feels to arrive on time for once.
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Add a cushion to every project or event. Cramming too much in your day doesn't allow for emergencies, delays or extra time.
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Analyze yourself. If you are still noticing that you are late for one particular event or project, is it because you don't want to do it? Can you remove it from your list of obligations? If not, buck up and complete the project and then treat yourself with something you want to do.
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Tips & Warnings
Treat your time like a budget. If you don't know where your time is going, make a list for several days. Mark down everything you do and note the time. Review your list and see where you can stop wasting time.
Realize that people feel you don't value them when you are late. You have inconvenienced and belittled them by being late...again. Begin to understand that being late is really a problem with consequences and not a cute quirk.
