If you struggle with lateness, you probably know how stressful and baffling it can be to repeatedly try and fail to get somewhere on time. And you might have also noticed that beating yourself up about it hasn't solved anything, and might even make the problem worse.
According to the BBC, chronic lateness isn't just about habits — your personality type and mental health play huge roles. Optimism, thrill-seeking, and anxiety are all associated with lateness, for example, while people with ADHD or depression can also struggle to manage their daily itineraries.
But there are tools and strategies that anyone can use and adapt to help them overcome the reasons for their lateness, whether it's simply bad habits or a mysterious quirk of brain chemistry.
* Get at least seven hours of sleep to prevent oversleeping.
* Use your evenings to prep for the next day. Lay out your clothes, pack your lunch, prep your breakfast, and put your work devices back in your bag.
* Know how much time your commute take and allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes every morning for unexpected delays.
* Wear a watch and use alarms to remind you what to do and when.
* Ask a supervisor or co-worker to hold you accountable for getting to work on time.
* See your healthcare provider if you have any mental health concerns like ADHD, depression or anxiety.