Late again? Timely Tips
So, why are some people never on time? Most people will have a reason that does not implicate them fully but tardiness is a self inflicted infection. Here are some ways to mimize it:
Book fewer things
If your days are crammed with things to do, and the chance of everything being accomplished on time depends on everything running smoothly, then you’re likely overbooked. Try removing one or two things from your daily list of errands and see if that makes you more on time.
Overestimate the time needed for things
How many times has someone called you, tardy person extraordinaire, to inquire where you are. Don’t you always say you’re “five minutes” away from where you’re supposed to be? Five minutes is never actually five minutes; it could be anywhere from 15 minutes to hours. When tempted to give a time estimate, give yourself more time rather than less. Instead of saying you’re 20 minutes away, try saying 30 or 40 minutes. if you’re not too far gone in the tardy department, doubling the time you usually say should be a more accurate calculation. And on the bright side: if you do arrive earlier than planned, everyone will be happy (unless, of course, you are the recipient of a surprise party).
Plan backwards
You need to be at the party at 5pm but you have other things to do. Start by figuring out how much time you need to get to where you’re going, add a cushion of 10-15 minutes, and working backwards, fit in all the other things that need to be done, again adding a cushion of a few minutes. A plan is great but don’t forget to follow it: wear a watch and put measures into place that will keep you on time, even if it means setting alarms to remind you when you should be moving on to a different task.
Buddy system
If you are always late for events, pair up with someone who is also attending (preferably someone who is always on time!). Give them the authority to keep you in line and on time. After a few times with your punctual friend, you’ll have a better idea of things that work and things that don’t with respect to ensuring that you’re on time.
What tips keep you on time?
late, tardy, tardiness, lateness, being on time, on time
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May 30th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Two things I find tend to make people tardy.
1) Not accounting for traffic
2) Not having the stuff they need to take with them ready.
#1 involves compensating for traffic, and number #2 involves making sure if you’re bringing a movie, this that and the other thing, to have them set out ready to go, so you’re not running all over the house looking for said item(s). It usually makes you late, AND/OR you forget some of the items you’re supposed to bring when you’re grabbing things in a rush.
May 31st, 2007 at 11:37 am
Oh…very good points, Dave. I’ve been guilty of both…in the past only, of course!
May 31st, 2007 at 11:49 am
If I am going by myself, or am theonly one responsible for getting all the kids ready on time, I am usually (not counting the times we have to look for shoes) on time, or a couple of minutes early.
When the teenagers, or my husband who does not include time to load the car, park and walk to where we have to go, find seats, etc…
If they are coming, you can count on us being late or at best last minute.
Thank you for the tips.
June 1st, 2007 at 10:59 am
Oh, you forgot a good one!
Develop a nice case of OCD for yourself, so that the thought of showing up late and making others wait on you makes you break out in hives. You’ll only be late once or twice after that, I promise.