5 proven ways to stop being constantly late

Regular lateness not only annoys others, but also easily becomes a trigger for serious stress. There are several ways to deal with this annoying habit.

1. Respect your own and others time

When you arrive at a meeting on time, you show respect not only for the other person, but also for yourself. Try to look at constant lateness from this angle - perhaps you are used to being careless about your time, so you do not take into account someone else's.

Unfortunately, the minutes and hours spent cannot be returned. Try to be more responsible with your schedule. This will allow you to treat other people's plans with equal respect.

2. Prepare in advance

Think carefully on the eve of the meeting: choose what you will go in, pack your bag, make an itinerary, clean your favorite shoes and put the keys and phone on the shelf in the hallway.

Another effective tactic is to prepare for the meeting from the end. Calculate how long the whole journey will take you - from leaving your home or office to arriving at the place. Consider everything: possible traffic jams, the time to buy a metro ticket,

coffee or flowers and other things you need to do along the way. This will help to correctly calculate the timing.

3. Train yourself to arrive early.

This seemingly obvious advice is not always easy to follow. Some experience inexplicable anxiety, arriving at a meeting before everyone else. If this is the reason for your lateness, try to practice and purposely show up everywhere in advance. Use the time you have left to collect your thoughts and prepare for a meeting, or just relax and do nothing. Remind yourself often that it's only 10-15 minutes, even if they take forever.

4. Consider context

In some societies, the concepts of "late" and "arrive on time" are interpreted quite differently. For example, in the case of solemn events and ceremonies, the later you appear on the red carpet, the more attention you will collect.

Learn the context of the meeting you're going to. If it takes place with representatives of another culture, read how they feel about timing and what etiquette comply. This will help you not offend the person you are dating.

5. To be honest

Each of us is late at times. The best thing you can do while you are trying to deal with this deficiency is to warn others about it. If you look at your watch and realize that you will definitely show up later, let us know right away. No need to think about the situation for another half an hour and only then warn the other person. Do it immediately.