Decoded: Why some people are perpetually late

There are few habits as infuriating as someone making us wait. But, despite what may be running through your mind as you’re kept waiting again, it’s unlikely your friends and colleagues are just being selfish. Joshi explained that a look into the psychology of lateness offers a glimpse into a mind that may be malfunctioning.

Tidsoptimism is the belief that one can accomplish more in a given amount of time than is possible. According to Joshi, this belief can lead to overcommitment and procrastination, as well as stress and burnout.

Why does this happen?

Being consistently late might not be your fault. It could be your type. The punctually challenged often share personality characteristics such as optimism, low levels of self-control, anxiety, or a penchant for thrill-seeking, explained Joshi adding that personality differences could also dictate how one experiences the passing of time.

Start by tracking your activities and how long they actually take.  (Source: Freepik)

Joshi added that a procrastinator focuses on a fear attached to the event or deadline for which they are running late. “Rather than figuring out how to get beyond the fear, the fear becomes the excuse – usually expressed with a ‘but’ statement. For instance, you might tell yourself, ‘I wanted to be on time for that event but I couldn’t decide what to wear; I started to write an article but I was afraid my colleagues would find it not good enough.'”

Whatever comes after the ‘but’ is what counts,”. One must change the word ‘but’ to ‘and’. ‘But’ denotes opposition and blockage; ‘And’ denotes connection and resolution, so “the task becomes less daunting, the fear less of an obstacle.

How can you kick the habit?

a. Time tracking: Start by tracking your activities and how long they take. This will help you get a more accurate understanding of how you use your time.

b. Prioritise and plan: Prioritise tasks and create a realistic schedule. Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable parts. Allocate more time for each task than you initially think you need.

c. Set realistic expectations: Adjust your expectations and be honest with yourself about how long things truly take. Understand that unexpected delays and interruptions can occur.

d. Practice time management: Learn and implement time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to help you stay on track and focused.

e. Accountability: Share your goals and deadlines with someone who can hold you accountable. Having someone else aware of your commitments can help reduce the tendency to underestimate time.

f. Reflect and adjust: Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your time estimates accordingly. Learn from your experiences and continually fine-tune your time management skills.

g. Recognise how you feel when you are up against the clock compared with how you feel when you work to realistic timescales.

Breaking the habit of being a time optimist may take time and effort, but it can lead to reduced stress, improved productivity, and better relationships, as you become more reliable and punctual.

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