Before I even started speaking, I think my brain was wired to say three words: Sorry, I’m late!
I am late for everything; office meetings, meeting people, dates and even job interviews. My mother remains petrified that no company will hire me because I will arrive late for the interview. But at least when it comes to this last category I have a handy excuse – “I lost my way”. It is mostly accepted.
But I am no slacker. I don’t like doing this just as much as others dislike me doing it too. I have always wondered why I am a perpetual latecomer. But I just can’t seem to control it.
Here’s where an article in Psychology Today threw up some potential reasons for me. Finally, an explanation!
Why We’re Always Late
Only I know the truth. Come on now; if I fail to turn up ON time, how can one expect me to turn up BEFORE the scheduled time? During a casual conversation on this topic, my mother gave me the best pillow to rest my case on.
In-between Time Not Calculated
She said, “You get late because you do not
calculate the in-between time gaps.”
I will tell you what this means. Say I would take 30 minutes to reach a certain place by vehicle. In my mind the only thing that plays is the thirty minutes – nothing more, nothing less.
I forget to calculate the time needed to get ready, get to the bus stop, have food, etc. These tasks consume more time than one can calculate and me not counting these adds up to the eventual delay.
We are Optimistic
A study also suggests that people who are
forever late have one thing in common: they are all optimistic. They thrive on multitasking and they feel they can fit in more
tasks in a short time.
I always feel like this superhero who can be omnipresent. In my to-do list, I always have tasks that require me to be present in multiple places at the same time – like doing yoga, cook my food, pick up clothes from laundry etc.
But this is impossible isn’t it?
And Of Course, We Are Laidback
For other ambitious people, a minute will contain 60 seconds but for us it will be close to 80 seconds. So by the time I am off my lethargy to be active I have lost so much time.
Unrealistic too
An article in The New York Times explains why people who are always late have unrealistic ambitions.
I will forever remember the day when I did all the tasks in lightning speed but will forget all the other days when the same task took waaaay longer. That one single shining day stays the standard, derailing potentially many many others. Sad!
Prescription for the Chronically Late
I am tardy. I know. I annoy you with my chronically late routine. I know that too. But trust me, being late does not give me any boost. Here are some measures that could help people like me tide over our issue.
Strategise
Make a promise to yourself that you to deal with this problem every day at least for a month. We all know what we are capable of and what our weaknesses are. Take a vow and try to rectify this problem.
Recalculate Time
Latecomers tend to underestimate the amount of time a single task can take. To stay on top of this, write down in a diary detailing the time taken for each task and plan everything accordingly.
Not on Time, Be Early
I do not like the wait. So I never turn up before scheduled time. There, I admitted it. But this only ‘part’ of the problem.
If you are like me then stop this. Be there before time and do it for few weeks. You will soon be out of this plague, promise.
Waiting is Good
Listen to music, read a book, talk to somebody, play games on your smartphone – do something productive to pass your time. Turning up before time will leave you with plenty of breathing space and you’ll find ways to keep yourself occupied. Soon, you won’t mind the wait.
You’re Not Alone, But Its Time for a Change
Let’s not get into the numbers, but it is safe to say there are many many many people like me (and perhaps you?) who are chronically late. It feels good to know that I am not the only one. There is safety in numbers, after all.
But trust me when I say I always feel guilty, every single time I am late. But despite this guilt, I have to admit I have not actually made too much of an effort to change this. People have simply come to accept my lateness and now start accounting for my delays. Never a good sign.
Time to stop, don’t you think? The new year is around the corner. Best time to make a resolution, one that I shall hopefully be able to keep.
Join me in the adventure to fix our common problem? You better not be late!