We all know that person—the one who’s always late. Maybe it’s you. You tell yourself you’ll be on time, but somehow you’re always rushing out the door at the last second. Your friends know to tell you dinner is at 7 p.m. when it’s actually at 7:30. Your coworkers exchange glances when you slide into the meeting five minutes late (again).
At best, chronic lateness makes you seem scatterbrained. At worst, it can make you appear rude, unreliable, or even disrespectful of other people’s time. Being the late one doesn’t just inconvenience others—it can hurt your reputation, relationships, and even your career.
But here’s the good news: You can fix it. The first step is understanding why you’re always running behind.
Why Some People Are Always Late
According to experts, habitual tardiness isn’t just about being bad at time management. It’s often psychological. Julie Morgenstern, a time management coach, explains that the reason behind being late can usually be split into two categories:
- Fixed lateness: If you’re always exactly five or ten minutes late, it could be a psychological barrier. Maybe you feel anxious about arriving early or hate waiting.
- Variable lateness: If your lateness fluctuates wildly, you likely have a logistical issue—like misjudging how long tasks actually take. (Psychology Today)
For some, lateness stems from over-scheduling—trying to cram too much into too little time. Others fall victim to “just one more thing” syndrome, where they convince themselves they have time to check an email or fold laundry before leaving, only to realize (too late) that they don’t.
Then there’s the thrill-seeker type—people who enjoy the adrenaline rush of barely making it. Some psychologists suggest that chronic lateness is a form of procrastination or even passive defiance, especially in work settings.
So, what can you do about it?
How to Stop Being Late (for Good)
Fixing chronic tardiness isn’t just about setting alarms—it’s about changing habits. Here are expert-backed strategies to finally be on time.
1. Identify Your Triggers
The first step is to figure out why you’re always late. Do you struggle with estimating time? Get distracted easily? Feel anxious about arriving too early? Once you understand the pattern, you can break it. (Harvard Business Review)
2. Plan Backwards
Instead of thinking, What time do I need to leave?, ask yourself, What time do I need to start getting ready?
- Set a “get ready” alarm 15-30 minutes before you actually need to leave.
- Build in a buffer—assume traffic will be bad, elevators will be slow, and you’ll need extra time to find parking.
3. Stop Lying to Yourself About Time
Most late people wildly underestimate how long things take. They think a shower is five minutes when it’s actually fifteen. They assume their commute is ten minutes when, realistically, it’s twenty.
Time yourself. For one week, track how long it actually takes to complete routine tasks. The results may surprise you. (BBC Worklife)
4. Resist “One More Thing” Syndrome
This is a big one. You’re about to leave, but you think, I have time to send one quick email. Or, Let me just put away these dishes.
Next thing you know, you’re ten minutes late.
The solution? No new tasks in the last 15 minutes before you leave. Period. Put your phone down, close your laptop, and walk away.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
- Turn on calendar reminders to alert you when it’s time to start getting ready.
- Use apps like Google Maps to factor in real-time traffic and suggest the best departure time.
- Set multiple alarms—one for when to get ready, one for when to leave, and one final “You should already be out the door!” alarm.
6. Trick Yourself by Setting a Fake Deadline
If you need to be somewhere by 7:00, tell yourself it’s at 6:45. Yes, it sounds silly—but it works.
Psychologists call this “precommitment”—setting artificial deadlines to override your brain’s tendency to procrastinate. (Inc. Magazine)
7. Change Your Mindset About Time
Being on time isn’t just about logistics—it’s about respect. When you’re late, it sends the message: My time is more important than yours.
Think about it: Would you keep your boss waiting? Would you be late for a flight? No? Then you can be on time when it matters. The key is making everything feel like it matters.
The Benefits of Being On Time
Once you kick your chronic lateness habit, you’ll notice the benefits immediately:
✔️ Less stress—No more frantic rushing. ✔️ Better relationships—Friends and colleagues will see you as more considerate. ✔️ More productivity—No more wasted time playing catch-up. ✔️ Increased self-respect—You’ll feel more in control of your life.
Final Thought: Being Late is a Choice
Yes, breaking the habit takes effort. But punctuality is a skill, not a personality trait. And like any skill, you can improve with practice.
Start small. Aim to be five minutes early instead of right on time. Pay attention to how much better it feels to walk in relaxed instead of frazzled.
And remember: No one has ever regretted being on time.