If you’re someone who’s always late and are looking to break the habit, the very first thing that you have to do is to acknowledge that there is a problem. This means getting real with yourself and wrapping your head around the fact that beneath the problem there are other things lurking. You might have the attitude that there’s nothing wrong with being a few minutes late (forget the fact that you’re late for everything and impacting others in the process) or you might always rationalize your tardiness. If you really want to make this change, the first step is changing your attitude about your chronic lateness.
If you find that you are late because you’re one of those people who likes the excitement of the last minute rush, it’s time to stop that madness. Let go of the last minute rush and find something else that will stimulate or motivate you. More importantly, look at why you create situations that give you that rush that you seem to be craving.
If you’re forgetting or missing appointments, forget details and you jump from one task before it’s complete to another, you’re easily sidetracked. Start by getting focused. for instance, instead of jumping into another task before you’ve finished the initial one, make it a point to focus on only the initial task until it’s done, then move on to the next. Continue to practice maintaining your focus on one thing at a time.
Additionally, get organized! Get those appointments and meetings that you’re late for or missing into a calendar that’s part of a time management system that fits your personality. Add to your calendar the things that you do on a regular basis and group like activities into one block of time. Plan what you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it and prioritize your daily lists.
None of these solutions is a quick fix, they each take commitment and time. You have to remember that it takes time and effort to get into new habits, not to mention patience and perseverance. Determine what the best course of action is and get to work, allowing yourself the time it’s going to take to shift gears.