I'm always late for work, appointments or movies.
What can I do to stop this bad habit?
2007-01-12 05:55:55 · 16 answers · asked by big guy01 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Setting the clock forward always worked for me.
2007-01-12 06:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are right, you need to stop this habit and the first step to stopping a problem is admitting it.
First, you need to tell yourself that you are going to be on time. You are making a promise to yourself (and whoever you tell) that you are going to be somewhere at a certain time. If you are not there at that time, you lied. Plain and simple.
Try making a schedule and stick to it. If you have to be at work and 8 o'clock in the morning and it takes you 30 minutes to get ready and you have a 20 minute drive time, you need to get up and moving by 7:10 am. You also have to remember the amount of time it takes you to get your coat and shoes on and get your car started, about 2 minutes. For movies you need to add to drive time how long it will take to walk into the theater, get a ticket, consessions, etc.
Wear a watch that is set to the APPROPRIATE time, if you set it five minutes fast, you will know it is five minutes fast.
If you have a cell phone or a PDA, set an alarm to go off a couple minutes before you have to leave to go somewhere.
Also, call someone if you know you are going to be late. If you are caught in traffic, call your boss or whoever is waiting for you to let them know you are running late. Make sure you call them right when you know you are going to be late, a few minutes before you were supposed to be there.
I hope this helps and I am sorry if I seem mean, but when people are late, it is annoying :-).
2007-01-12 14:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a manager i am skeptical about the excuses that are used for lateness.
Good working practices (mine) say that you will be in the office at least 5 minutes before start time, i get there 30 minutes before start and i travel 40 miles to work.
Leave the house 10 minutes earlier, get up 30 minutes earlier, after a little while you won't notice the difference.
Good luck.
2007-01-12 14:19:07 · answer #3 · answered by Bladerunner (Dave) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good thing you don't work where I do. Late three times in six months and you get 3 days off without pay. If it happens again in a six month period could mean termination. I really don't know what to advise. I am the early bird. I get anywhere I need to be plenty of time to spare. I have a brother that is like you, late for everything. Our Father used to say he'd be late for his own funeral.
2007-01-13 01:06:12 · answer #4 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assess the reasons why you run late.
If it's because you become too focused on things and lose track of time - that's one issue.
If it's because you oversleep and are late for work - that's another issue.
It seems some behavior modification is in order - but you need to know what's causing it first.
I don't see it as a habit. You're not holding yourself accountable by simply labeling it as that.
2007-01-12 15:00:46 · answer #5 · answered by ☼High☼Voltage☼Blonde☼ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being late is caused by the faulty belief that you can do one more thing before you leave home.
the problem is in your estimation of the time it takes to get where you are going.
decide the exact minute you will leave your house to go to the appointment. then make sure you really walk out of the door at that minute.
don't do even one more thing.
not even one!
you have to be prepared before the time you plan to leave
(dressed, close the windows, find your keys etc.)
2007-01-12 14:04:43 · answer #6 · answered by Sufi 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Get your priorities in order for starters. Until something happens to make you change your ways (like getting written up at work or stood up for a date) you'll have to work harder on setting a good example for others.
2007-01-12 14:43:36 · answer #7 · answered by Jayna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try setting your watch, phone, clock, etc. 10 minutes ahead, that way you will be there 10 minutes early. i'm notorious for being late all the time. my boyfriend suggested that i pay him $20 dollars every time i'm late to work and now i owe him $200. good luck!
2007-01-12 14:04:05 · answer #8 · answered by belle t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who are late everywhere they go are incredibly arrogant. They believe the world revolves around them and everyone will gladly wait on them to arrive. If you don't see yourself as arrogant then discipline yourself to always be early rather than late so that others won't have this negative opinion of you.
2007-01-12 14:12:05 · answer #9 · answered by missingora 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Buy a watch!! Make a habit to glance at your watch every ten minutes.
2007-01-12 14:12:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋