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Easy Tips That Will Improve Your Punctuality and Time Management
Some people are always late now matter how much time they have to get ready. They are late no matter how important the event. Birthdays, celebrations, meetings, dinners, graduations, even their own weddings! You think to yourself when they show up, “what can I do to help you manage your time and improve punctuality?”
Lateness. It is one of my biggest pet-peeves. No, it is actually my biggest one.
I can’t stand it when people are ALWAYS late.
Things happen that you have no control over. An accident on the highway, trains cancelled or not running, can’t find anything to wear…. LOL ok, that doesn’t count.
Simply arriving to everything late is a whole other matter.
Do you have that one friend or family member who can never seem to arrive anywhere on time?
Or are you the one who is punctually challenged? If you have ever wished you could break the pattern then this post is for you.
Why Is Punctuality So Important Anyway?
Punctuality may not seem like a big deal to you, but it is a big deal to the people waiting for you. Remind yourself that being punctual as a matter of good etiquette. Is it time for a punctuality makeover?
If you are chronically late, you are creating a reputation for yourself and not the best one at that. People feel they can’t trust you or rely on you because they are unsure if you will show up when you say you will.
Being late is inconsiderate while being on time expresses respect toward others. You cannot restore the time other people have lost waiting for you.
If you have OCD or know someone with OCD, you know being late can send anxiety levels through the roof.
To stop being late, you need to manage your time and improve punctuality. Pinpoint why you’re a perpetually late person.
Do you arrive late to work every day, but blame situations instead of yourself? Traffic was slow. Arrived late to your best friend’s wedding? You simply had a lot going on that day. Oh my!
When someone calls you out about being late, you dismiss them as inconsiderate, get irritated, angry – what’s the big deal, anyway? I am a punctual person. If I have to be somewhere at 14:00, I arrive at 13:50. If I am late, I am there at 14:00 on the dot. I want no one waiting on me.
It doesn’t matter if I am up at 05:00 or at 06:30, if I need to be out of the house by 07:15, you best believe I’ll be ready and out of that door at 07:15.
Sure, I hit the snooze button and drift back to sleep. All that means is neither a second cup of coffee nor checking emails before heading out the door.
Here Are Five Ways To Help You Manage Your Time And Improve Punctuality
1. Always Be Prepared
Expect Murphy’s Law. Traffic on the way to work? Yup, it’ll happen. A detour or diversion on your usual route? You can bet on it.
Little one spilling juice on their clothes right before heading out the door? Of course! Always be ready.
Being prepared to manage your time and improve punctuality includes organizing your space.
Keep things like cell phones keys, bags, wallet, etc. in the same place so you won’t end up wasting time looking for them when you are heading out the door.
Organize your notes and materials in advance so that all you have to do is grab them when you need them.
Prepare as much as you can the night before.
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Lay out your clothes
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Pack your bag for the next day
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Plan your meals
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Get your documents together
This won’t take you more than 10 minutes in the evening but could save you thirty minutes to an hour in the morning.
2. Trick Yourself If It Ensures You Being On Time
Why not trick yourself when it comes to meetings, appointments and events? Enter items in your calendar with an entry that is 15 minutes earlier than the real start time.
That way, even if you are running just slightly behind schedule, you are more likely to make it “on time” because the extra time has been worked into your schedule.
As I said before, punctuality is key for me. All my watches and clocks in our home are five minutes ahead of the actual time.
'Stop saying you can't help being late. Being late is not a disease, it is a choice.'Click To Tweet
3. Be Honest With Yourself
Ok, did I not just say trick yourself? Now be honest with yourself? Well, which one is it?
It’s both. You will be surprised to know that many people have no idea how long it actually takes for them to get ready! Shocked? It’s true. Some people find it hard to calculate how long it will take them to get showered, dressed, makeup, shoes, handbag etc.
Guess how long it will take you, write it down on a piece of paper, then actually time yourself.
Do you think you would guess just right or be way off?
Here in Austria, we have a saying “Vorsprung durch Planung!” – which basically means “head start through planning”. When you plan the night before, you will find that you have a head start in the morning, and the rest of your day will likely run smoother.
You are not a superhero, so leave time between your tasks and meeting. Allow yourself both time and space in between meetings. Never over-schedule yourself.
Trim your schedule. Is your calendar full of promises that you’re trying about to keep but failing?
Try to factor in the time between activities, then add 15-30 minutes for unexpected delays.
In case one meeting runs longer than expected, you will not find yourself overwhelmed, pressured, or worried about being late for the next meeting.
4. Make Punctuality A Priority
Just be on time. Honestly, if you want to be on time and it is a priority for you then you would do it.
When meeting a friend who knows you for being late, you tend not to make punctuality a priority right?
How about if every time you got to work on time your salary was doubled? Would you make it a priority then?
You see, it’s all about value. Ask yourself the following:
“Do I value this person and their time?”
“Do I value this project enough to meet the deadline?”
“Is this event important enough for me to show up on time?”
Making punctuality a priority shows that you actually give a damn.
'If you are chronically late, then you are chronically rude.'Click To Tweet
5. Prioritize Your Tasks
Instead of doing a last-minute task that could make you late prioritize your tasks. Set goals for yourself.
If you are in the position, delegate some errands and chores to others.
In order to manage your time and improve punctuality, it is essential for you to take care of the items at the top of your priority list first. If you have a deadline you have to meet, work it into your schedule so you don’t miss it.
Acknowledging your bad habits is the first step to changing them.
What Are The Things That Steal Your Time?
- Online Browsing/Social Media
- Watch TV Shows
- Video Games
Those I believe are the three main things that just suck up time. Sometimes when I plan on getting online to do something, I decide to watch one of my shows, then another, and a third.
Before I know it, three hours of time I could have been working on my blog has gone down the drain.
Anyway, I am pretty well balanced, so whenever that happens, I just tell myself I deserve a little me time. So long as I do not lose focus, or turn up late to places I need to be, then I’m good.
Making Time A Daily Priority
Can you identify what causes you to run behind your planned schedule? These tips will help you manage your time and improve punctuality.
Know someone who is a perpetual latecomer? Send this article to them.
If you are always late, use these tips to help you stay on schedule.
You can download the Manage Your Time And Improve Punctuality Checklist from my resource library here.
How do you deal with time management? Do you find it easy or hard?
Share your experiences with me in the comments section below.
Have a wonderful and productive week!
98 comments
There are people who set their clocks back 10 minutes and make it places on time. Then there’s those of us with ADHD who were told our whole lives we were late cause we just didn’t care about anyone else and liked being rude. But when we tell others to just expect us to be late they get mad. lol…
I can understand this, as I have anxiety and people deal with things differently, I think in a case of ADHD if friends and family are aware, just like with anxiety, the approach is different and better understood.
People are are constantly late drive me nuts and I agree that it is just plain rude. If the rest of us can organise ourselves to get somewhere on time there’s really no excuse, is there. I think it’s really important to get to grips with punctuality or you’ll find others will overtake you in both the career and friendship stakes. Constant lateness was a sackable offence in many of the firms I worked for.
I tend to be early for work, usually on time for a doctor appointment and not so much on time when the plan is to go out with friends and we have a rough idea of when we want to go but nothing set in stone. It’s very weird when I think about it.
Anyway when it comes to work, I make sure that I don’t snooze my alarm, my breakfast is half-ready, I know exactly at what time I must start getting ready and it takes me the same amount of time every morning. So I believe your advice works because I do most of it and I am never late (when I can’t afford to be)
Mika
These are such great tips! I really need to manage my time better, thanks for sharing. Kaz
Brilliant post. Interesting read, especially regarding OCD and what not xx
I hate being late, I am a punctual person and always arrive 15-30 minutes before meetings except if in same building then 10 minutes earlier. I think it’s rude to be the one whose always late. These are great tips Sheri
I am also always at meetings for work or with friends and family earlier than I should be. I just believe being late, especially constantly, means you do not respect other people’s time.
Id like to be able to manage my time better, so thanks for posting this
Sometime I feel bored thinking that how to manage time. Here you have provided some great tips. This is helpful tips for me because I am not punctual sometime. Thanks for sharing.
Great tips , love the be prepared, its so much easier if you are not running around at the last minute trying to find something.
This year, I’ve been working really hard to manage my time better. I think having a planner/calendar makes it soooo much easier to keep track of time. I’m also working on having a better work-life balance, which has been helping me stay focused and get in my deadlines.
I also hate when people are late! And I can never be late. If I am late, I’ve probably actually planned to be exactly 3-7 minutes late or something haha.
I’m the same, I always try to arrive earlier and tend to set off 10-15 minutes earlier than I have to. Saying that, I still haven’t mastered my mornings, especially deciding on what to wear – but I’ll do one day!
Ha! Story of my life. I am always trying to figure out what to wear, because the outfit I picked out the night before is no longer what I want to wear in the morning. LOL
I used to be always late, when I was younger and I realized that it is not fair for the other people, so I always make sure that I am punctual now. You have great tips!
Yes this is a tricky one. I’m usually on time or about 5 mins late. My mother was a terrible timekeeper and I could never understand it as a child. We were always late for school because of it. I tend to be on time for my friends or I will text ahead and let them know I’m delayed. Good time for improving timekeeping.
These are really good tips to help stop yourself being late. Im like you and if im ten minutes early im on time! I also find it helps sometimes to write a getting ready schedule to work out what time I need to start.
I also tend to be punctual. Years ago I participated in a leadership program that really turned things around for me in this area. I have a girlfriend who tricks herself when she wants to be on time (like for doctor’s appointments). But I agree with the tip about prioritizing being on time. I find that’s what makes the biggest difference for me. I’m committed to being on time, so I make it happen. Thanks for the suggestions!
Exactly Tanya! What you make it a priority, then it works! If you are still on the fence, you will always be late. I am glad that leadership program turned things around for you.
I can really relate to your dislike of being tardy. My pet peeve is the others who are always late. Why is it that the ones who are late are the ones who live the closest?
Punctuality is really important to me, I hope more people will follow your advice. I am so busy with my business and travel that I live and die by my computer/phone calendar, got to set those reminders!
This is a great read! Especially because I’m always so busy!
This was a great post and seems it was written for me. I’m terrible with time management and there never seems to be enough hours in a day.
I’ve got split personalities when it comes to punctuality. I’m great at work, deadlines, projects. I walk in the door at home and it all goes out the window! I feel like sometimes I have part time A.D.D. I’ve gotten better with meal planning and batching errands and chores, even cleaning the shower while i’m in there. I suppose it takes a while to break new habits in… hmmm, or maybe i’m just hoping for the fairy to wave a magic wand over my part time chaos!
Oh, wow, these are great tips on Time Management. Most often I am guilty of not managing my time well…even forgetting some of my appointments. Recently, I need to use the alarm on my cellphone to remind me of my most important appointments 🙂
Punctuality is a big thing for me. I’d prefer to be early for appointments than running late.
I hate when people are late, and maybe for that reason I am always on time. No matter how busy I am, I always try to get ready even earlier.
Really great tips, my time management needs improving
Thanks so much for the tips 🙂 Needed this hehe
Oh boy. I often one of the guilty parties. I try to do too much multi-tasking and get distracted. I also overload myself. These are good tips. I need to practice them.
Yes, and when you do Sandy, it will make things a lot easier.
Being late is also a massive pet-peeve of mine and these tips definitely help keep my punctuality on track. Everyone should try to be early to everything in order to be respectful. There’s nothing worse than feeling unvalued. Great post.
I am a punctual person. I can’t really sleep if I have an early morning appointment. But when I don’t any meetings or appointments it’s hard for me to reach office exact same time everyday. I always think to set my clothes before night but never do it. it can make a lot of difference actually.
Being punctual is such an important point. Awesome post!
I can truly relate on this article, I wanted to share this to all my friends and people I know… hahahaha for same reason that, being late really triggers me – being irritated (but I’m working on it – not too). Because value time so much, that we all know, everyone of us can be busy at any point in time. Its a matter of respect and prioritization. Thanks for your write ups and insight.
Yes, this is definitely something I really need to work on!
These are interesting tips. The first step to being productive is, after all, being able to manage your time well enough.
I love this! I couldn’t agree more that being on time is important and constantly being late just shows the person you’re meeting that you don’t really care if they’re waiting or about their time. Punctuality is a big one for me too.
i already mastered this things, but it’s always good to get a reminder.
I definitely need to bookmark this! I hate waiting, but on the other hand I’m always late!
I have a good time management skills when it comes to work but I am can be very late when it comes to outings. Great tips i should always have in mind. Thanks for sharing..
I have a different take on the subject. There is also a cultural component to it. Folks from cultures where time is not set rigidly by a clock, the attitude is completely different. Sure, some use it as a power and control issue while others see the need to go with the flow.
Yeah, there are situations where it sucks but otherwise, I just shrug it off.
I needed this today. I am always looking for ways to improve myself
These are great tips! I’m a very punctual person but I have a cousin that is always late!!! To me if you have to be somewhere at 8, and you arrive right at 8, you are late!
Great post. I used to always show up late to stuff until I started doing everything in 15 increments to make sure I stayed on track. when i began doing that, I learned just how long it was taking me to do things.
It’s so hard for me to be on time, but I hate being late! And I hate it when others are late. Good tips to help.
These are great tips! I often waste my time for doing something that is not on my to do list.
I enjoy the part of treating yourself! Great tips!
Oh my gosh. My husband is late for church events and it bugs me since I can get myself ready and my toddler and be done before he is done grooming. I don’t know why he doesn’t shave the day before, but he seriously waits til the last minute and it irritates me. Lol
I hate waiting and I hate being late also so I always make sure that I am managing my time well. These are great tips.
I really, really need to work on this! I try so hard to be on time, but it rarely happens. Usually, I’m only 3-5 minutes late, but late is still late. It drives my husband crazy. I need to try some of your tips. 🙂
I’m often late. You gave me some great tips on changing that
I hate being late, it’s a pet peeve of mine too. I try my hardest to be early, I get anxious when I’m late! Thanks for sharing.
Great tips! I always account for “worse case scenarios” when I’m preparing to be some place so that it gives me sufficient time.
Alicia P
Great post, yes I hate for people to me late, especially if they are always late! That can be so annoying.
I am almost always late because I believe too much in myself, that I will be on time where I need to be. This is becoming problematic, especially for my internship. Thank you for the tips, I hope I will start implementing them, especially the one when you are prepared and the other one when you trick yourself.
These are such great tips. I feel like I waste so much of the day jumping from one activity to the next! I need to work on this big time!
Sounds like great tips! I, too, strive to stay on schedule. Punctuality is never an accident. It is something we need to plan.
Time is money and these are great tips to help make the most of this valuable commodity. I always remember an old saying ,”Procrastination is the thief of time”.
Great tips for time management. Time is so important. Always remember the saying, that procrastination is the thief of time. So if we are prepared and do what needs to be done at the right time, we are safe.
I played sports my whole life and every coach I’ve had emphasized that early was on time, on time was late and late was unacceptable. This definitely had an impact on my life because now I’ll show up to work, a meeting or something 15 minutes early and sit in my car and wait until it is actually time to show up. I feel weird showing up late. Yesterday I went to the circus and it was supposed to start at 7 but at 7:20 people were still rolling in and the show hadn’t started yet. I was frustrated because the ticket said 7 so I expected the lights to dim and the first act to come on at 7.
Lateness is absolutely one of my pet peeves! My husband and I are the type of people that are always 10 minutes early to everything so I hate it when people are late!
Such great food for thought. I didn’t really think much of being late, until I met my best friend. She’s always 10-20 minutes late, and it drives me crazy. In fact, it’s almost a sign of disrespect for those who are waiting and wondering where she is. Alas .. x
Those are wonderful tips. I wish I could take them into practice. Coz i have always been busy. Thanks for posting.
This is an area I definitely need to improve on. I am pretty punctual but not so good at managing my time.
Some people are never on time. I used to have a friend and I would always tell her to arrive earlier than she actually needed to. If I gave her an earlier time she would arrive right when I wanted her to.
LOL! I understand you Pam. You did it just right. Hahahahaha.
HA! Great post. I trick myself all of the time. I set my alarm 30 minutes beofre my appointments. It seems to help me a ton. Plus the fact that I am pretty realisitc with myself that I have issues. So, I must prepare for my pouting time before my scheduled appointment. This post was truly for me. 😉
Thinking about being late as being rude will definitely get me to stop being late haha
This is an awesome post, I have to admit I am never on time, but Ash is always really early so between us we end up being about on time which works for us at least.
This is something I had to teach myself. I am not naturally the most organized person in the world, but working for myself I needed to learn. There’s a lot of great tips here that I could use to get myself even more organized.
That is great Jeanette. You can really teach yourself to be more punctual and the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Being late is inconsiderate and rude. I know people who aren’t late for the jobs but are late for everything else. Telling me that event isn’t important to them to arrive on time. Hope they take your suggestions and prepare ahead of timme.
LOL. Yes! You know why? They just see it as I cannot afford to be late for my job or boss – value! I can afford to be late to meet a friend because it doesn’t matter. Lack of respect. It is subconscious but very much present in their actions.
Being late is also my number one pet peeve! My son and his wife are always late and it bothers me so much. I’m the type person who is always at least 15 minutes early. I need to casually show this post to my son. 🙂
Hahahahaha Alli. Yes, find a way to just have it sitting in front of him to read. I tell you, being late is a pet-peeve that just gets me. Those who are always late just don’t get why it’s a big deal, but it really a matter of respect and value of another person’s time and commitment.
I don’t like to be late at all. Your tips are good for someone who doesn’t want to be late. Some people really just don’t care about it though (I have a brother like this).
These are all great tips on having great time management!! My parents were always late to everything when I was growing up so I always swore I would never be like them until recently and I just can’t make myself get up in the mornings! I moved my clock up about a minute a day and now it’s set for about 15 minutes early and that helps a LOT!
Hi Ricci, do what works for you. I should be up at around 06:30, but because I like to snooze a lot, I set the alarm for 06:00,06:10, 06:20 and finally 06:30. Most times I am out of the bed after the second alarm goes off, but sometimes in winter, it takes forever for me to get up. As soon as I am out of the bed I am so fast and get out of the house punctually.
Omg, I love all the tips here. Exactly what I do all the time! Especially I am super punctual too, so I move my clocks 5-10min early like you do. That’s at least a safety net.
I used to trick myself! My phone was set 10 minutes early than the actual time, but I don’t know what is happening to me right now. I feel like I’ve lost interest. Than I read what you said about value and I think it really inspired me!
BS, xx
Hi Sheri,
Nice Post!
Time management is the coordination of tasks and activities to maximize the effectiveness of an individual’s efforts. Essentially, the purpose of time management is enabling people to get more and better work done in less time.
Following your nice and easy tips one can easily manage time.
I will tweet your post.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
I’m always early or on time! I’ll definitely pass this to a few friends who are always late!
I like this quote – “If you are chronically late, then you are chronically rude.” I would love to have this printed out and pinned in the bulletin board at work. I hate it when you’ve been sitting in the board room waiting for the person who set the meeting in the first place! Ugh. Thanks for these tips on how to improve punctuality. My weakness is checking my email when I should be getting ready.
I think your right about needing to prioritize because if you do that, then your not running around doing last minute things. But I do also agree with you about events that can happen where people don’t have any control.
This is such a good article! I know quite a few people who need to read this!
I’m an extremely busy bee. But, I am never less than 10 minutes early. For me, if someone is late more than once, they are rude and not thoughtful of other people’s time. It’s probably a bit more than a pet peeve of mine.
This is a great post! I usually do the prepare as much as you can, e.g. make sure everything is ready the night before and I also put my clock 15 minutes forward so that i’m always 15 minutes early instead of being late or on time! I haven’t tried the other tips but I might give them a go! thanks for sharing!
Great post! With four children I am always running late, and even when they aren’t around I am late because I try to juggle too many things at once!
Great tips! I hate being late for anything I’m always way early!
My boyfriend is ALWAYS late … I might start setting our clocks 5 mins ahead ….
I am the opposite. I am always late my husband is always on time. He even made helping me be on time as one of his vows when we got married.
Ah such wonderful tips! I’m kind of weird, being late from work terrifies me and I’ve never been late from work but when I’m going somewhere with my friends I’m always late 😀
Omg, This post is so helpful! I am ALWAYS late for everything I’m afraid, though I’m trying to be better!
Alice
I am a very punctual person, that’s why I was always the one waiting on everyone to arrive while growing up. I hate it when people are late, because to me it shows a great amount of disrespect.
Here here girl – I HATE people being late all the time. It’s like saying “your time is not as valuable as my time”. I’m always on time because I made a commitment to be at a certain place at a certain time and i don’t want to disrespect the people I made the arrangement with.
Katja xxx
You have some great tips here! I find that when something is really important, I can easily be early. But if it’s something that’s not that important, I tend to be more lax and overestimate the amount of time I have before I need to leave and end up leaving 5 to 20 minutes late. I definitely need to work on my punctuality when it comes to something not super important.