There’s nothing worse than being late: the frantic rush to get there, the shame when you arrive, the excuses, fumbling to recover your grace and dignity.
Here are some tips and tricks to be on time:
1. Know your Inner clock
Why are you always late? Is it the commute, losing track of time while you eat cereal staring at the news, the last minute dog walk? Figure out the causes and tweak your schedule accordingly: check the traffic before you leave, don’t watch the news, walk the dog as soon as you get up rather than right before you shoot out the door.
Are you a morning person? Be realistic; if you’re not a morning person try scheduling meetings and appointments for the afternoon.
Know how long things really take. Make a log of everything you do and how long it takes. You’d be surprised, some of the most trivial tasks take much longer than we think, like folding laundry or doing the dishes.
2. Trick Time
Set your clock a few minutes earlier.
Schedule being early. If your appointment is at 1pm, put it in your calendar as 12:45. Planning on being early leaves time for any last minute things that need doing, including checking your teeth for spinach and gathering yourself for that meeting or job interview.
3. Save time and Sanity in the AM
Wake up earlier. It’s worth it. There’s no worse way to start the day than in a panicked rush.
Prep the night before. Make your lunch and lay out your outfit.
Organize your exit. Keys, check. Wallet, check. Jacket, check. Don’t waste time loosing them, designate a spot near your door and always leave them there.
4. And Finally:
Just say no. Anyone would rather a rain check than waiting for an hour. It’s okay to say no to friends and social engagements. You get annoyed when a friend is tardy; imagine how annoyed they get when they’re waiting for you.
I’ve been on a calendar, but I’ve never been on time.
~Marilyn Monroe
I wish you all the best,
Dr. Samantha Boardman
