How to Overcome Tardiness – Step 3: Execute
Once you learn to estimate time accurately and plan ahead, the last step in becoming punctual is to execute your plan. Sure, it seems a bit obvious and maybe even anticlimactic, but how many of us know what we should do and fail to follow through? Think salad instead of burgers, running instead of American Idol, saving instead of spending. Right, most of us fail to do what we know we should.
In order to execute, you must be convinced that this is something worth accomplishing. If you’re not convinced that there is value in being punctual, it will be very difficult to make the necessary sacrifices.
If you’re sold on the idea, but finding it a bit overwhelming to commit, start at the beginning. As I said in Step 1, don’t worry about being on time yet, just start writing down the time it takes to complete your everyday tasks. Once you see where your time goes, you’ll naturally be more aware of where you misjudge or waste time. In fact, I guarantee that if you keep a log for 2-3 weeks, you will automatically be more punctual.
You can’t change over night, give it some time and reward yourself along the way. I was chronically late for most of my teens and early twenties. It was such a habit that it has taken years for me to change. I still have to work at it, and even then, I don’t always plan ahead well. As the saying goes, I’m not where I want to be, but thank God I’m not where I was.
Finally, the key to success for this, or any goal, is the mastery over procrastination. Start now. The longer you wait, the less likely you’ll be to follow through. Go back, reread this series, and start executing today.
Note: If these last few posts have been helpful, or if you’re committed to becoming punctual and improving your life, I’d love to hear about it – please leave a comment.
Welcome to The Mooring Brief, my name is David. I'm an entrepreneur, small business executive, and family man. I'm passionate about business, entrepreneurship, leadership and life. I'm constantly thinking, learn, and solving problems - this blog is a result of those activities. You can find out more about me
Eric Syfrett
1 Jul, 2009
Love it, Dave. Hopefully, I’ll never be late for lunch again.
Dave
1 Jul, 2009
Thanks, Eric. Glad you found it helpful. Let me know how it goes.
joseph
2 Mar, 2011
i will give it a try and see how it goes, thanks!
B Curry
26 Oct, 2011
I read a few other articles befor coming across yours. This is the most beneficial in my opinion. I will try it today. Thank you.
Zach
8 Dec, 2011
Dave: appreciate your article. I get fed up with being late, youre spot on. I overcome it from time to time then it creeps back in. Thanks for the ideas. Question: How do you think one picks up this annoying habit?
David
18 Dec, 2011
I’m not sure how one picks up this habit. It seems to be something within one’s way of thinking or processing information. For me, it’s a constant battle.