If you frequently find yourself pushing the speed limit while cursing at red lights, fumbling for excuses or dreading another death glare from your waiting best friend, you just might have a problem with punctuality. Though you intend to make it on time, somehow you always seem to end up falling behind schedule. There’s no magic answer when it comes to being on time, but making a few simple Sears Imported Autos changes may help you learn how to never be late again.
Wear a Watch or Keep a Clock Nearby
It’s easy to be late if you don’t know what time it is. To improve your punctuality, wear a watch and check it often. If you don’t like wearing a watch, get in the habit of checking the time on your cell phone periodically. It also helps to have a clock— or clocks— nearby. If the clock on your computer screen doesn’t catch your attention, buy a desk clock to set beside your monitor.
Set Alarms and Timers
Watching the clock is important when you don’t want to be late, but it can be all too easy to get engrossed in what you are doing and still lose track of time. Alarms and timers can save you from distractions and keep you on track as long as you remember to use them.
Calendar apps often have reminders that can email you or pop up on your screen before a scheduled appointment. Watches and cell phones typically have alarms you can set as well. If you don’t want to set an alarm, you can also use a timer to give yourself some limits. Have thirty minutes to kill before you have to leave? Set a kitchen timer to warn you when your time is up.
Plan to Arrive Early
If you have an appointment at three o’clock, don’t plan to be walking in the door at three on the dot. Instead, always plan to get places at least five to ten minutes ahead of schedule. Adopt this mantra: “Five minutes early is on time; Right on time is late.” If it’s an important appointment, like a job interview, plan to arrive even earlier.
Allow Extra Time for Travel
If you’re frequently late, you might not be allowing enough time to get where you need to go. Think about how long it takes to get to work, your friend’s house, your dentist or your favorite restaurant. Do you know or do you just guess? Instead of assuming it will take you twenty minutes, check the directions online or on a GPS.
Once you find out the estimated time it takes to get somewhere, add 25 percent. Add 40 percent or more if it’s rush hour. For example, if it should take 20 minutes to get to your appointment, allow yourself 25 minutes to get there or at least 30 minutes during a busier time of day.
Bring Something to Do While Waiting
When you plan to arrive at least five minutes early for your appointments, you will often end up with a little time to wait around. Always carry a book or something enjoyable to do while waiting. Once you get used to having these mini-breaks to do something fun, you might not mind getting to places ahead of schedule.
