If you’re always running late, you know the stress and embarrassment it can cause. But with
a few changes, you can turn things around and start arriving on time, feeling more in control and less frazzled. Here’s how:
1. Pinpoint the Problem
The first step in changing a habit is figuring out why it happens in the first place.
Maybe you’re like my friend Angie, who always thinks she can squeeze in one more task before leaving the house. She’ll see a few dishes in the sink and think, “I have five minutes, I can do this,” but then ends up scrubbing a pan, refilling the soap dispenser, and suddenly, 15 minutes have passed. Understanding that you might be underestimating time is key to making a change.
2. Set Realistic Expectations
One reason people are late is that they overestimate what they can do in a short amount of time. I used to think I could get ready for work in 20 minutes, but in reality, it always took closer to 30. Once I started timing myself, I realized I needed to adjust my morning routine. And remember, when you tell
yourself, "I have 10 minutes before I need to leave, I can change the paper in the copy machine," ask yourself if it's worth the risk. What if the paper jams? That 10-minute task could easily turn into a 20-minute project, making you late.
3. Plan Backwards
A friend of mine, Jim, used to always be late for meetings because he only focused on what time he had to leave to get there. But then he started thinking about what time he needed to arrive and worked backwards. If he had a 9 AM meeting, he’d consider his commute time, add a buffer for traffic, and factor in how long it took him to get ready. By planning this way, he started arriving a few minutes early, instead of rushing in late.
4. Use Visual RemindersSometimes, all it takes is a visual cue to keep you on track. My colleague, Lisa, keeps a checklist by her door with her morning routine. Seeing it every day helps her stay on schedule. She also sticks a Post-it note on her computer to remind herself to leave on time, which has made a big difference. 5. Make Punctuality a Priority
I had a roommate once was always late because she would agree to do just one more thing before heading out. Eventually, she realized that being on time had to be her top priority. She started saying no to last-minute requests and learned to leave some tasks unfinished, like leaving her
laundry for later, so she wouldn’t be late for class or work.
6. Set Multiple Alarms
My friend Sue once had a habit of losing track of time when she got ready in the morning, so she started setting multiple alarms. The first one was to
remind her to start getting ready, the second to wrap things up, and the third as a five-minute warning to leave. This simple change made Sue much more aware of time passing and helped her consistently leave on time.
7. Simplify Your RoutineMy friend Emily used to scramble every morning, looking for her keys, phone, and wallet. It was a daily stressor that often made her late. She decided to create a simple morning routine: laying out her clothes the night before, packing her bag, and keeping her essentials in a designated spot by the door. This streamlined her mornings and saved her a lot of time and stress. 8. Stay Mindful of Time
I’ve found that staying mindful of time helps me avoid getting caught up in tasks that could make me late. For example, instead of getting lost in reading email or scrolling through social media, I remind myself to check the clock regularly. A friend of mine uses a mindfulness app that gently pings every 15 minutes to remind her to stay on task, which has helped her stay more focused and timely.
9. Reevaluate Your Schedule
A colleague of mine used to struggle with being late in the afternoons because he tried to cram too many tasks into his lunch break. After reevaluating his schedule, he started spreading those tasks throughout the day, giving himself more breathing room and
making it easier to be on time for afternoon meetings.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Whenever you arrive on time, give yourself a mental pat on the back. When I started making punctuality a priority, I’d treat myself to a small reward, like a
coffee break or a quick walk. These little celebrations kept me motivated and helped reinforce my new habits.
Being late doesn’t have to be part of your story. With a few mindful adjustments and some real-life strategies, you can shift from always being behind to showing up on time.
