We all have that friend who is always late, don’t we? Or maybe you are that friend who’s always late? If it’s you – or even someone close to you – being late can really upset people. Perhaps you’re always late for dinner with your friends? Eventually they’ll stop wanting to spend time with you. Consistently late for work? That can end up in job loss and a tough environment. You’re late and your significant other is always on time? Arguments that turn into pretty significant tension. For many people who are late all the time, it’s not intentional but merely a result of their inability to have a routine, but the result can be detrimental to relationships both at work and at home. Here are some ideas for how to nip this terrible habit and how to stop being late for good.
1. Shift your planning to leave early, always. Rather than always trying to get somewhere just in the nick of time, plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Change your thinking so that the 15 minutes early becomes the norm and your new self-deadline.
2. Be prepared. Know you have an early morning meeting or a dinner after work? Lay out your clothes, bag, shoes and makeup ahead of time – and stick to the outfit you laid out.
3. Be excited about being early! Sounds odd? Not really. Now you have the time to read a book, flip through a magazine or check out what everyone’s doing on Facebook. Being the on time person who has enough time to enjoy the little things is so much sweeter than being the person who makes everyone wait.
4. Get to the root of the problem. If you’re always late for work, there’s something happening at home each morning to make you late. Are you playing with the dog for too long, getting the kids to school too late or simply getting out of bed at the last second? Whatever it is – it’s time to change your behavior and plan ahead.
5. Make yourself a timeline. If every time you’re late, you realize it’s because it takes you longer to get ready than you planned – stop and assess the timing. Time yourself in the shower, walking the dog, putting on makeup, making your lunch etc..Once you know how long each of those tasks really takes, make a timeline for the amount of time you need to get out the door on time.
Whether it’s you who is always late or a friend who can never make it anywhere on time, these tips can help nip this problem at its core. Can you work these into your daily routine or perhaps share these ideas with a friend in need?
