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Step 1
Commute smarter rather than just harder. Analyze the route you take to work, whether you take public transportation such as a bus or train or whether you drive your own car. Ask coworkers who live near you how they travel to work. If you can find a route with less traffic or fewer delays, you are well on your way to getting to work on time.
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Step 2
Next, with the best route in mind, calculate what time you have to leave the house on the worst days. That's right! Don't count on perfect conditions; count on bad conditions. Those bad days are the ones you are most likely to be late. If you don't remember how long it takes, write down the time you leave and the time you arrive for a week or two. Keep leaving earlier until you can get to work about ten minutes before starting consistently. That is the time you should leave.
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Step 3
Next, based on how long it takes you to get ready, set your wake-up alarm ahead of your departure time the correct amount. If you need to leave at 7:00 to arrive by 7:50 in the worst conditions, and it takes you one hour to get ready in the morning, set the alarm for 6:00 A.M. Don't cheat and say you will get ready in half an hour if it usually takes you an hour. You won't.
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Step 4
Knowing how much sleep you actually need, go to bed at a decent hour so that you won't be tempted to sleep in when the alarm goes off! Now that you know your bedtime, time to get up, and time to leave, practice them without fail until they are habits. With ten minutes leeway for your arrival time every day, you will arrive relaxed and not rushed. You will have time to hang up your coat, get a cup of coffee, and be actually ready to work when the clock strikes its hour. And it will certainly help your career when your boss notices that you are always on time for work!
