How to Stop Being Chronically Late

Here are some tips for being on time every time.

No matter the dynamic of your office or the closeness of your friendships, consistently arriving late communicates to your coworkers and friends that you don’t value their time. Punctuality is not only a key to professionalism but also an important factor in fostering relationships. Here’s how to understand and curb your tardiness.

Why are you always late?

Though being late can be a source of stress, embarrassment and frustration, it’s still a surprisingly difficult habit to drop. But why? It’s likely because those who are always late haven’t identified the root of their chronic tardiness.

In general, traffic is rarely the reason people consistently run late — even if it’s the most common excuse. The real reason people are always tardy is because tardy people view time differently than punctual people, says “Never Be Late Again” author Diana DeLonzor.

In her book, DeLonzor identifies the habits of tardy people and categorizes them into seven types (listed below). By recognizing the motives behind your tardiness, you’ll be able to pinpoint the best ways to improve and never be late again.

How to be on-time, every time

The Rationalizer

Problem: Won’t admit he or she has a problem.

Solution: Did your co-worker, spouse, roommate or mom send you this article? Did you subconsciously click on it because you know you need help? It’s time to admit you have a problem. Yes, we all face extenuating circumstances that cause us to be late, but not every day.

The Indulger

Problem: Lacks self-control.

Solution: Find ways to reward yourself for being on-time instead of punishing yourself for being late.

The Producer

Problem: Tries to do 45-minutes-worth of errands in 15 minutes.

Solution: Be realistic. Try tracking your time for two weeks. You may think you can shower, eat breakfast and walk the dog in half an hour, but if your shower really takes 15 minutes when you’ve estimated seven, that could be the reason you are late every day. After you know how long daily routines or work tasks take you, practice saying “no” to anything that comes up that could interfere with your plans.

The Absent-minded

Problem: Forgets where his keys are, where her wallet went, what time it is.

Solution: Sticky notes should be your best friend. Also, look into location tracking devices for lost items, like the Tile App that uses Bluetooth to find whatever you lose.

The Deadliner

Problem: Lacks motivation without pressure.

Solution: According to Dr. Joseph Ferrari, you likely choose to be late because you enjoy the adrenaline rush of rushing to be on time. If so, make this thrill-seeking urge work for you. Constantly set and adjust deadlines for yourself, like being 10 minutes early today and 25 minutes early tomorrow.

The Rebel

Problem: Considers showing up late as a win in a silent power struggle he or she is playing … with everyone.

Solution: If you have a problem with someone, address it head on. Showing up late to passive aggressively get your point across won’t do the trick.

The Anxious

Problem: Lets low self-esteem rule his or her life.

Solution: Challenge negative or insecure thoughts — like that you don’t have anything to wear or you’re having a bad hair day. By facing head-on you regain control of your life. Other self-esteem building activities include focusing on the positive, reducing stress levels, getting enough sleep, exercising and maintaining a balanced diet.

Get to your next event on time by first identifying which category you fall into and fix the problem. You can do it!