Why you’re always running late — and how not to be

The problem could be poor time management skills. They're not good at estimating how long tasks will take or may get caught up in the moment.

If you are always late by the same amount of time, you likely have some fear of downtime. As a result, you may feel like you have to fill every minute with something useful so that you won't sit around waiting.

Some people have an underlying feeling that their time is more important than everyone else's. Politicians or businesspeople may exert their authority by keeping others waiting.

However, most people don't realise that their delay has this effect on others. They think the struggle to be on time is common. Still, lateness can come off as inconsiderate. 

When you're late, you're rushing, your brain is multitasking, trying to pick between what you have time for and what you must do faster.

• Your body might go into a fight-or-flight mode, releasing the stress hormone cortisol. If you do that to yourself repeatedly, it may create a lot of wear and tear on your body.
• When you're late, you're apologising and feel like you have to make up for it. It can affect your self-confidence.
• The guilt and negative feelings can prevent you from enjoying yourself, and you may feel out of sync with everyone else.

• Aim to get to places 10 to 15 minutes early, rather than on time. Plan to do something concrete while you are waiting, such as deleting junk emails or reading a book.
• Plan and practice exist strategies from conversations or last-minute tasks.
• Use your cell phone alarm to remind you when to leave the house, or when to get up from the desk to be on time for a meeting.
• Time yourself to see how long you really take to get ready.
• Multi-task less.
• Check the clock regularly - it is your friend.