If you’re familiar with the two basic personality types, A and B, then you realize that type B’s are the more laid back, easygoing, low-stress type of the two.
While it might seem to come naturally that the more chill, type B personality is almost always late, that doesn’t have to be the case.
I am a certified, card carrying type B personality, and I almost always manage to be on time.
While a somewhat lackadaisical attitude is my nature, being rude is not, so it’s important to me to honour other people by respecting their time.
My feelings are hurt when someone can’t make their commitment in a timely fashion, and I don’t want to be the one causing hurt, frustration or disappointment to another.
If I’m honest with myself, tardiness, especially if it’s chronic, is just plain insensitive. So, whether it’s a business meeting, a doctor appointment or coffee with a friend, I put forth my best effort to be prompt.
I have to admit that my easy-going style does get the best of me from time to time, but over time I have put into place some lifestyle changes that make a big difference.
All it takes is a little discipline and a bunch of creativity, and us type B’s are known for creativity, so let’s put our inventive streak to good use!
Be Realistic With Your Time
When you check your map app to find the drive time to your destination, add at least 10 minutes, for parking, walking in, and in case you get turned around.
You might be early, in fact you almost certainly will be, but you won’t be late.
And let’s face it, if you’re going to waste somebody’s time, the polite thing is to make sure that it’s your own.
Take Advantage Of The Sweet Spot
Once you’re ready, don’t take a minute to do “just one more thing”, get those shoes on and fly!
The “one more thing” trap is a lie, and it will eat you alive! but if you run out the door as soon as you are ready it will give you time to run back in and grab the keys you left on the counter (and then back again to grab your phone!)
You know as well as I do that if you miss the sweet spot you’re bound to be late.
Have An Alternate Route In Mind, Just In Case
I think this stems from my decade of work as a paramedic, but I always know at least 2, and preferably 3 reasonable routes to my destination.
If you’re directionally challenged, your map app has the answer for this one.
Once you get in this habit, it will serve you well, and in a pinch, you will always have an alternative route set up.
Set All Of Your Clocks Ahead By At Least 5 Minutes
If you know you’re incurably late, grant yourself 5 (or 10 if necessary) extra minutes by setting the clocks in your house and car ahead.
The trick is to set them all a bit differently to thwart the urge to fudge on it.
You might never know the exact right time, but at least you won’t have to walk into a meeting late again.
Never Leave An Empty Gas Tank In The Garage
If you fill up on your way home, you won’t make yourself late by forgetting that you’re on E and either stressing about running out of gas (or actually running out) or having to stop and gas up on your way to an appointment.
Set A Timer Or Alarm So You Don’t Lose Track Of Time
Us type B’s are inclined to getting lost in the moment and losing track of time, but technology makes it easy to set up fail-safes to keep you on track.
If you’re inclined to ignore the one on your phone, set the one on the stove and on your computer too for good measure.
Just don’t hit snooze! (You know you want to.)
Don’t Make Excuses
Don’t make excuses, because you’re inclined to believe them yourself.
When you are late, own up to it and apologize, and do a bit of self-reflection to make sure that you don’t make the same mistake next time.
You don’t have to be a slave to the clock or a super organized person in order to be timely, all it takes is a few little changes to get you off the wrong track and into a new groove.
At the end of the day, a few minor changes can and will save you major stress and embarrassment. I would be willing to bet that even your most uptight friends will be impressed by your new resolve.
Most of all, you will feel better about yourself and walk with your head held high and a great sense of pride and accomplishment instead of constantly being frazzled and frustrated by running behind.
What it all comes down to is that you, wonderful woman, deserve to be on time and all of the confidence and success that comes along with it.
