Perhaps you did not want to, maybe you did not plan to but finally ending up late happens where everyone blames you and you remain clueless where you went wrong. Being unpunctual once might be a mistake or might happen due to circumstance, but if on a continuous basis the unpunctuality repeats then it's worth a worry and effects both personal and professional life.
Unpunctuality is bad and like any other bad habit, it can be avoided if intended so. Just aim to be on time for whatever you are heading with a little planning in advance and you will see a big difference in your self-esteem and respect from others.
If you have tried so many times to become punctual, here’s your another chance to be on-time with some smart and simple tips, as suggested by UrbanPro experts. These tips are very tried and tested. If not initially, over a long span of time, these definitely show a difference in your time management:
Pick your time of the day
It is often said, that to be on time or punctual, you have to start your day early. But what if you are not a morning person and prefer to be more active during the later half of the day? Well, no worries. First, figure out at what part of the day you are more productive and then simply, queue most of the work on that span. This will make your work happen during active hours, while you can rest on the other half.
List your to-dos
How about waking up in the morning and spending two minutes on what are the to-do’s that you plan to do, all throughout the day? From office meetings to friends anniversary to mamma’s medical appointment, your to-do list might belong. However, if you think you can strategically plan your to-do list and ensure that you finish each of your intended tasks within the stipulated time.
Make timeliness your own priority
Do not try to be punctual for others. Until you realize the value of time and hence, try to be on time in all your doings, you will never see a change. Timeliness can only be learned at one’s own will and wish. How much parents, teachers, bosses or colleagues try to make you punctual - it is only achievable when you plan to or aim to.
Value time of others
It's alone your unpunctuality that can make others delay or suffer. You have no right to waste someone’s precious time. If unpunctuality is your habitual practice, then others might also look down on you. Unpunctuality can make you loss worthy work opportunities. It's henceforth highly recommended to be on time in order to convey a healthy impression to others and respect them, equally.
Set deadlines for yourself
When you prepare your to-do list, how about estimating time in hand for each task and also, doing them as the day passes? This will make you more productive and let you complete your goals of the day. Achieving self-set goals will make you feel very happy if you succeed in doing so.
Use clocks and timers
What’s the use of punctuality if you don’t wear the right watch? It can be your wristwatch or a table clock or a cell phone watch. Ensure your watch gives the right time and you abide by them, or else you can never be punctual in your behaviour. Along with clocks, you can use a timer in order to ensure you meet your deadlines.
Arrest extra time for rejuvenation
When planning your day in the morning that is, preparing your to-do list - do keep time on hand for relaxation. No human being is a machine and none is expected to perform at all hours of the day. Of course, if you are having a busy day, your time for relaxation should be less. But no relaxation or break will bring in monotony in life, which is boring.
Delete 'unpunctuality' from your dictionary
You can become punctual when you plan to not become unpunctual. This means, do not keep the scope of being late when you are planning to become punctual. When you plan that from thereafter you won't be late anymore, then only you will become punctual. So, delete the word ‘unpunctuality’ from your dictionary in order to become punctual.
Avoid others who can make you late
Maybe you are not a late person but it is your roommate or friend who makes you late for class or work. Avoid such company. If you continue to be in such association then your agenda to be in time will never show colours.
Avoid last-minute tasks or tensions
As mentioned earlier, when in a plan to become an on-time person, you should spread your work across the available time. Delaying unnecessarily at the start and simply rushing by the end, makes no sense. Make complete use of available time so that you can do work efficiently with no hurry and perform your best.