Time Management: Chronic Tardiness - Do You Have a Problem with Time Management Skills?

Time Management:
Chronic Tardiness - Do You Have a Problem with Time Management Skills?

Chronic tardiness, or consistently being late, is a symptom of poor time management skills. Whether you are going to an interview, a sales meeting, a doctor's appointment, or just meeting a friend or colleague for lunch, arriving late demonstrates a lack of respect for other people's time as well as your own, and reveals your poor time management skills. Ultimately, it can put a strain on your job and/or your relationships.

Here are some strategies that you can follow to get back on schedule:

Write it Down -- Record your appointments in your calendar and note when you need to leave.
Plan Ahead -- Get as much ready the night before as possible. Plan your outfit, pack your lunch, gather your papers, etc. Establish routines for your repeatable tasks.
Get Enough Sleep -- If you are one of those people who likes to hit snooze in the morning, consider going to bed earlier.
Set an Alarm -- Set an alarm to go off 5 minutes before you need to leave.
Stick to the Plan -- Stop trying to squeeze in that one last task. Don't hit snooze, don't send another email, don't make one more call...STOP!
Arrive Early -- Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. Then, if you run into traffic or experience some other delay, there's a good chance you will still arrive on time. If you do arrive early, take that opportunity to read a magazine article, write a note, or make a phone call.
Track Your Time -- Many people underestimate how long it will take them to complete a task. For frequently performed tasks, track how long they actually take and compare them to your estimates. Does your 20 minute trip to the office really take you 30 minutes?
Change Your Mindset -- Make up your mind that you will be on time from now on.
Empathize -- Imagine how the people who are waiting for you must feel. Chronic tardiness can negatively affect relationships with family, friends and colleagues.

Like many other habits, punctuality is a habit that can be learned by repetition. Follow the steps above and realize the benefits - a life with less stress, increased productivity, no speeding tickets, and greater job security.

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Michigan-based Productivity Trainer and Certified Professional Organizer, Donna Lindley, publishes the "Timely Tips" monthly ezine from Organized Office Solutions. If you're ready to jump-start your productivity by organizing your space, time, email and paper, I invite you to sign up to receive your FREE tips now by going to http://www.OrganizedOfficeSolutions.com.

Category: Time Management Skills

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