This article may sound funny coming from me, since I grew up with a reputation for lateness. It was an embarrassing habit, but one that I couldn’t seem to break. I was made fun of, missed important information, and had to slink into more than one empty front-row seat. When I got to college, though, I found myself needing to get to classes, appointments, and interviews that carried major consequences for being late. Scrambling to keep all the balls in the air, I learned a few tips that helped me break the habit. With discipline and practice, they help me get out the door on time.
1. Get enough sleep. Being on time in the morning starts the night before. Calculate what time you need to get up, then work backwards to decide on a bedtime. Most experts say you need 7-9 hours of sleep a night; for me, it’s definitely closer to 9! Your morning will run more smoothly if you don’t lose 10-15 minutes of it to your snooze button. You’ll also move faster, make better decisions, and spill less coffee if you’re well-rested
2. Do the prep work in advance. As much as possible, streamline your morning routine by doing the prep work the night before. Pick out your outfit, make your lunch, fish your keys out of your laundry hamper and put them by your purse. Finish your homework. Print your notes for the first meeting of the day. Put the kids’ backpacks by the door.
3. Time your tasks. Allotting a certain amount of time to each step of your get-ready routine will keep you from spending too long on any one thing, rather than getting out of the shower and wondering why you have five minutes left. Exercise at 7:30. Shower at 8. Dressed by 8:45. Keep a watch near you or set an alarm on your cell phone to help you meet each goal.
4. Fifteen magic minutes at home… When you calculate how long you need to get ready in the morning, add fifteen minutes. Trust me. You may not know what you’re going to do with them, but if you’re like me, they will magically disappear. Unanticipated Events happen-the coffeemaker malfunctions, your mom calls, you can’t find your shoes. Those fifteen magic minutes may vanish, but you won’t be late out the door.
5. …and fifteen on the road. Nothing makes you a hazard behind the wheel like being in a hurry. Tell yourself it takes fifteen minutes longer to get to work or school than it actually does-your little secret. Those extra minutes are like an air bag. They may save your life. They’ll also give you time to find parking, straighten your shirt, remember your keys, and take a deep breath before heading into your day. You may even have time to say hi to your coworkers in the parking lot. Unless, of course, they’re running late.