how never to be late again

“I’m just around the corner.” “Just have to find a parking spot” “Order me a mint tea, I’m almost there.” All lame excuses trying to give the impression that you’re on time when in reality you are in fact late.

I consider myself rather punctual but if I do show up on time I somehow always end up with gushing armpits. That’s why I plan to better my life and this is how. Are you in?

The 40%-factor

Scientists have spent loads of federal funds on research but we now know that people think things are going 40% faster than they actually are. That means that if you think you need 30 minutes to get somewhere you need to add an extra 40%, that’s an extra 12 minutes per half hour. Therefore you need to reserve 42 minutes in your agenda.

fill’er up

Make sure your phone is charged, your bicycle tires have enough air and your car has a full tank. In a tight schedule these things bite into your time, making you at least five minutes late. I can’t even count the times my phone went dead as I was following Google Maps directions to get somewhere and then not being able to find the location or call to say I’m running late.

say no

I don’t like turning down an invitation which results in me trying to do two things at once; leaving an event early only to show up too late at the next one. Like when I was at my daughter’s farewell picnic at school, constantly looking for the right moment to leave only to show up late for my planned lunch date where they were already having desert.

After two bites and a couple of sips I had to get back to school to pick up the children. Doing no one any good. Set your priorities beforehand and stick to them so that they have your devoted attention.

Time your makeup time

This morning I realized I’ve blow dried my air at least 1883 times and that I still don’t know how long it takes me. A fact that really might come in handy as you can plan better. If you’re on a tight schedule skip the blow dry session and pull your hair into a bun or tight ponytail. Saves you at least 15 minutes. Or read this, also helpful.

You can do your makeup in the ladies room at the office. You’re boss won’t mind, they’re the ones that have to look at you, right? And did you know that women who wear lipstick make more money? Not kidding, all scientifically researched.

Let it ring

You’re just around the corner from your appointment and your best friend is calling. You pick up and start chatting, taadaa, six minutes late. Besides it looks very inappropriate walking in on your appointment with a phone glued to your head. Just let her leave a message and return her call when you have the time.

get up half an hour earlier

If you start the day running behind you’ll never catch up. It’s like a domino-effect following you around all day. So get up half an hour earlier so you can start your day charged and well prepared.

Good luck!