How to Be Punctual
If you're someone who constantly keeps people waiting, you're not just holding things up, you're behaving in a manner that is thoughtless and disrespectful. Get your act together and learn how to keep on everyone's schedule.
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Instructions
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Aim to be early, not just on time. Carry a tote with books, handheld video games, an iPod or book of puzzles that will keep you entertained as you wait. You may begin to look forward to this quiet time so much, you'll be inspired to arrive early.
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Prepare everything the night before. Lay out your outfit for the next day, make lunch, get directions if you're going somewhere new and place your keys, purse, backpack and shoes by the front door.
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Postpone activities that typically take longer than you expect until you get home. For example, if you check your email before school, you'll might answer a few, send new messages or browse on the Internet. Save it for later. Don't even turn on the computer if you don't have to.
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Allot extra time for every activity. If you think it will take 20 minutes to eat breakfast, schedule 30. It's better to end up with too much time than too little. Avoid filling that extra time with another activity. Simply leave early.
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Trick yourself by resetting you alarm clock 10 minutes early.
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Avoid over scheduling your day. Setting up several activities in a row, for example, will inevitably result in your being late for one of them.
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Reward yourself for being early. Take a tip from elementary school teachers by creating a "sticker chart" to track the times you're on time for appointments. Add a sticker when you make it, remove one when you're late. Treat yourself to a new DVD, dinner out or a cool outfit when you fill a chart.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider asking for help if you believe your chronic lateness is due to a deeper psychological reason that needs to be treated.
