Do you find yourself running out the door usually about 5 minutes late? Or realize you didn’t give yourself enough time in between appointments to get from location A to location C? It happens, and with kids it happens to me more now. It’s stressful if you know you need to be somewhere and the clock keeps ticking away!
So is there anything we can do to change this bad habit? Sure!
We often confuse the amount of time things should take to the amount they actually take. The best thing we can do is figure out the gap. How long do I really need to get the family ready in the morning? How long is my commute to work? Not what I think it should be.
For one week, make up a journal and carry it around with you. And write out your day. Write down how long it took you get ready for the day. Write down your commute time from home to the office. And if you are late, write it down, how late you were, why were you late, who did it effect? Just by seeing it on paper can really make a difference. Then you can start working on the solutions.
When planning your day or week, block out commute times, this will really help make sure you have enough time to get from A to C without overlap. For example if you have to be at a meeting at 9AM, and it takes 30 minutes to get there, block in your calendar that you are out from 8:15AM on. This gives you time for the unexpected. Because as we all know the unexpected can happen frequently.
In summary, the best prevention to being late is planning ahead and being as prepared as you can be. And expect the unexpected! Take little steps to see if you can make a difference. By just setting your alarm 15 minutes earlier, or laying out clothes and making lunches the night before. Think about what small changes you can make to stop feeling so rushed and the stress that being late causes, not only to you but to the people waiting for you!
Happy Organizing!
