On Time vs. Being Late

Would you be late to your own funeral? This old saying isn't so funny if you're chronically tardy and your missed deadlines kill your career and friendships.

Here are Six Ways To Never Be Late Again

1. Reset Your Internal Clock.

In today's hectic world, it's often too easy to convince ourselves that we will have enough time to meet a deadline. Reset your internal clock to accommodate your habits. You can deliberately choose to be fifteen minutes early to meetings and this deliberation will automatically reset your internal clock. The same is true if you are up to thirty minutes late. You'll welcome the extra time to read a magazine article you bring along, check your cell phone messages, write down a new idea or spend the extra minutes to mentally prepare to be at your best.

2. Go By Real Time, Not Wishful Thinking

You can't wish the next hour into becoming two, so be realistic about deadlines. Let the folks involved know that you can't meet their deadline because this will produce better results than the trouble you'll create by over-promising and then not delivering. Be honest with yourself and with others.

3. Make and Manage a Daily Time Schedule

The quickest way to see how much time you will have in your day is to begin your day by writing down all the tasks you hope to accomplish. Eliminate those you can accomplish another day to give yourself more time to circle and complete the most important tasks first.

4. Eliminate Distractions

Don't let the threat of distractions ruin your day's schedule and make you late. Vow not to check email, make a call or answer your cell phone 30 minutes before a deadline or your departure for an appointment.

5. Just Say No

Often, it's the inability to say "No" that leads to missed deadlines and late arrivals. If you can't do more than what already is on your day's schedule, politely decline and include an explanation for why you don't have the time. Example: "No. I wish I could, but I have two appointments this afternoon.You can become better at this by standing in front of a mirror and practice how to say "No" as politely as you can.

6. Don't Be A Party To Others Being Tardy

Others being tardy can make you late in meeting your goals, too. Be considerate in your requests to others, recognizing that you might be setting someone else up to be late by setting strict deadlines. Ask your working partner if he needs more time, and if he does, try to give it to him. Your rewards likely will be a stronger relationship and a job well done in gratitude.