Always Late or Always Almost Late
Do you know people who are chronically late for work, appointments, social commitments, or even scheduled gatherings with friends? Do you know people who frequently claim they are not late but who have to rush to beat the clock, arriving at the last possible moment? Do either of these people sound like YOU?
Being chronically late or always arriving at the last possible moment are related behaviors, but they are not identical.
Chronically late: This means consistently arriving after the agreed-upon time. It reflects a pattern of tardiness, often resulting in being officially late for work or missing the beginnings of meetings, appointments, events, social commitments, and even scheduled meetings with friends. It can result in disciplinary action at work and harm relationships outside of work.
Always arriving at the last possible moment: This person usually arrives just on time, but rarely with any buffer. Although they may not be late by the clock, this creates stress and a risk of being late due to minor disruptions (such as traffic or delays).
Both chronic lateness and always arriving at the last possible moment reflect issues with time perception, planning, or underlying psychological patterns, such as underestimating how long tasks take, thriving on adrenaline or pressure, discomfort with downtime or waiting, or, in some cases, engaging in a subtle form of control or rebellion.
Common reasons you might always be late or always almost late.
Poor time perception: You underestimate how long tasks take (e.g., getting ready, commuting).
Overcommitment: You say “yes” to too many things, leading to a packed schedule with no buffer time.
Procrastination: You have procrastination habits—waiting until the last minute to act.
Executive function challenges: Do you struggle with time blindness, impulsiveness, and task switching? Perhaps you struggle with initiating tasks or remembering appointments.
Emotional drivers: Is your behavior passive-aggressive, a form of rebellion, or a way to assert control? Some people also enjoy the “rush” of being under time pressure—an adrenaline-seeking behavior.
Optimism bias: Do you believe that “everything will go smoothly,” which leads to unrealistic expectations? Some people may not account for traffic, delays, or other disruptions.
How to break these habits.
Plan backwards: Determine when you need to be somewhere. Subtract the time each step will realistically take (shower, commute, parking, etc.). Build in a 15-minute buffer. Always.
Use timers and reminders: Set alarms at specific intervals to stay on track. Use visual timers if needed. Even the alarm function on your iPhone can work wonders.
Change your language: Say “I choose to be on time” instead of “I’ll try.” Take ownership. And reform what on time means to you. It should not be precisely the time you need to be somewhere. It should be at least 15 minutes early. Give yourself a buffer to reduce your stress!
Prep in advance: Prepare uniforms, pack bags, choose clothes, or set out essentials the night before. Minimize last-minute decisions.
Visual cues: Place sticky notes on doors or mirrors with phrases like “Leave by 8:30” or “Are you ready now?”
TIP: If you are always late or consistently arrive at the last possible moment (and feel you technically beat the clock), consider changing your mindset. Instead of thinking, “See, I’m not really late” or “I know, I’m late again, but that’s who I am.” Try thinking, “I’m working on being more respectful of others’ time—and my own.”