How to Be on Time

Are you constantly thinking or worrying about time? Do you always feel rushed and find it nearly impossible to be somewhere on time, aren’t able to finish your to-do list, or are just always behind schedule?

It can be very hard for some of us to properly estimate the amount of time it takes us to get ready, drive or walk to places, and complete tasks. It’s challenging to be completely present and clear minded when we are always in a rush.

Although you may feel like sh** because you were late the party, you’re not a bad person! You are actually a very positive person…

Let me break it down for ya.... We believe we can complete a number of tasks within a certain timeframe. We are very confident that we can make it happen; unfortunately, we always end up being a litttllee behind schedule.

For example, it may take you 20 minutes to drive to work every day with the traffic and stop lights; but one morning, the traffic is lite, and you got lucky at the stop lights. You made it there in 15 minutes. After that one experience, you will truly believe that you can get there in 15 minutes JUST because of that one occasion.

Ultimately, we are just very hopeful people. 😊

There are research studies that have determined, those who are consistently late (even 3-5 minutes), live a more fulfilling and longer life because we are optimistic! Seriously, look it up!

Although it’s just a reflection of our optimism, others don’t find it to be such a great habit of ours. Being late gives off the impression that we are disrespectful and inconsiderate of others’ time. Not to mention, it makes you feel like you’re running in chaos, feeling super rushed and behind.

Don’t worry though, that’s what the Grounded Free Spirit is here for! This is not a permanent habit of yours if you don’t want it to be!

After reading this, you will finally have your sh** together when it comes to being on time!

1. Wake up 30 minutes earlier ⏱️

Start your morning routine as soon as you wake up, do not fill this extra time with washing dishes, cleaning, or starting something that is NOT a part of your morning routine. This is where we get lost, remember how I said, we are late because we are so optimistic?

It’s a habit of ours to THINK we can do all these things and still be on time, but remember we woke up earlier for a REASON, not to clean, scroll through IG, make a TikTok dance, but to start our routine earlier so we can be ON TIME.

2. Overestimate your time 😯

This sort of goes with number one, but always allow yourself more time during the day when you have to be somewhere or do something by a certain time. Overestimate the amount of time it takes you to get your mess together. If you start getting ready or start a task 30 minutes before you need to walk out of the door, turn in the paper, send the email, etc. Begin 15-20 minutes earlier than usual.

This means if you are driving /walking somewhere, and you have 5 minutes to spare before you walk out of the door, LEAVE 5 MINUTES BEFORE. You will once again underestimate and continue doing what you’re doing until it’s just a few minutes past, and you will find yourself LATE once again.

3. Set yourself up for success. 📈

Lay your work clothes out the night before, pack your gym clothes in a dedicated gym bag with a snack bar, prep your meals, etc. Preparation is KEY to success! You will feel so grounded and accomplished, and it will allow you to be more present instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off!

4. Schedule out your week or time block! 📅

This has helped me so much! Visualize your week. Take a look and write down all of your social events, work schedule, when will you plan to do your workouts, grocery shop, etc. Use a weekly planner for this. It wouldn’t hurt to have a monthly planner hanging up in your home where you see it every day!

Google Calendar or an hourly day planner is a great way to time block all your commitments, when you need to leave, when to eat lunch/dinner (if your tardiness is THAT bad), go to the gym, etc. to help keep you accountable. You can even set alerts to remind you of your tasks/events/calls/meetings before hand!

Being on time and prepared is such a great feeling because it allows you to be “here and now”, you won’t be in fight or flight response from feeling so rushed!

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