Practical solutions to stop running late
Chronically running late has become a habit and you’ve stopped trying to be on time. But chronic lateness can lead to stress and missed opportunities and even damage your reputation. So, before you resign yourself to the “fashionably late” label, know you can break that cycle and stop running late.
This post dives into the common reasons why people run behind schedule and offers practical solutions to help you conquer the clock in the morning.
#1: You have a poor sense of time
- The Problem: You have little sense of the passing of time and often underestimate how long things will take, whether to get ready, make and eat breakfast, or fight rush hour traffic, leading to last-minute scrambles.
- The Solution: Plan your morning routine in detail, listing the tasks you need to accomplish and how long each takes. Then working backwards from the time you need to be where you need to be, determine at what time you need to get up. Avoid best-case scenario planning and factor in buffer time for unexpected delays. Track your activities for a few days to gain a realistic understanding of how long things truly take. Also, keep a clock visible, preferring clocks with hands over digital ones, or a time timer to see the passing of time and stay on task.
Related: How to come up with a robust time estimate
#2: You get easily distracted
- The Problem: You get easily sidetracked by messages or social media, or by that extra thing you want to do before leaving that supposedly will take you just one minute, causing your schedule to unravel.
- The Solution: Minimise distractions, by muting notifications and putting your phone away. Set an alarm to remind yourself of the start and the end of a task to keep you on task. Or use self-talk and ask yourself regularly whether you’re still doing what you’re supposed to do at that point. Resist the temptation to do just one more thing before you leave, hardly anything takes just one minute.
Related: How to break digital addiction
#3: You scramble to find what you need to take with you
- The Problem: You spend precious time searching for misplaced keys, wallets, or phones before you leave.
- The Solution: Designate a specific spot for the essential items you need to take with you. And develop a pre-departure routine with a checklist to ensure you have everything you need. When you’re back home, immediately put those items away in their dedicated spot.
#4: You’re sleep deprived
- The Problem: You are tired and hit the snooze button one too many times, leading to a rushed morning and late arrival.
- The Solution: Prioritise sleep. Experts recommend that adults sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it. Anticipate what you can the night before (selecting or laying out your clothes, preparing breakfast ingredients or packing your bag) to streamline your morning routine. Put your phone on sleeping mode, maybe 30 minutes before bedtime until you get up (or have to be out of the door) to avoid temptations and endless scrolling. Get up the first time the alarm goes without hitting the snooze button.
#5: You can’t stand waiting
- The Problem: You see waiting as a waste of time, leading to rushed arrivals to avoid pre-appointment or meeting downtime.
- The Solution: Reframe your perspective. Use “waiting periods” productively – catch up on emails, purge the photos on your phone, listen to a podcast, or plan your next steps. Early arrival allows gathering your thoughts and feeling more prepared and relaxed.
#6: A last-minute rush gives you a thrill
- The Problem: You believe you’re more efficient when under pressure and do things at the last minute, leading to potentially incomplete or subpar tasks.
- The Solution: Focus on quality, not just speed. Even though some people are more focused under short deadlines, allowing ample time to do things avoids the stress and potential mistakes caused by last-minute cramming.
Punctuality is a skill you can develop with practice. By understanding your personal tendencies and implementing these solutions, you can stop running late, leaving the days of frantic rushing behind. You’ll be less stressed, more productive, and make a positive impression on everyone you meet.
If you struggle to implement any of these solutions, especially because of executive functioning issues, do reach out, I’d love to help.
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