Practical Steps to Stop Being Late
- Track real time: Time your daily routines with a stopwatch to see how long tasks like showering or getting dressed actually take, rather than guessing. [1, 2]
- Add a buffer: Multiply your travel and prep time estimates by 1.25 or 1.5 to create a safety net for unexpected delays. [1]
- Prepare the night before: Lay out your clothes, pack your bags, and organize your items before you go to sleep. [1, 2]
- Aim to be early: Target arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your actual appointment so minor setbacks still result in being on time. [1]
- Plan backward: Start from your arrival time, subtract travel time, prep time, and a buffer, and set an alarm for when you must begin leaving. [1, 2]
