I'm A Former Chronically Late Person. Here's What Keeps Me On Time.

If you, like me, struggle with time management, transitioning between activities and guessing how much time a given task is going to take — you’re likely no stranger to running late . Late to the bus, late to pick up dry cleaning, late to drinks with friends — you name it, I’ve missed it. Ask my mom: I was literally born a week late. I delayed my own due date because I wasn’t done chilling.

While I think our culture’s emphasis on speed and efficiency is just capitalism, I do know that some things need to happen at the time they’re scheduled . I also know that my life is easier when I’m not getting scolded for making everyone wait for me.

And so, in an effort to make my life run smoother, I’ve spent the last few years learning not to be late to everything. As I like to say, it’s never too late to start being early. Ok, I’ve never said that before now. But I do believe it. Well, “early” may be cutting it close...let’s say, it’s never too late to start being on time.

Of course, I did not wake up one morning with the gift of punctuality and it remains a daily feat to manage my time. I’ve learned some tricks that have helped me a bunch and certainly have some tools that have changed my time game for the better. Here is my list of everything that’s helped me pump the promptness and hopefully it can help you too.

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