Time Management 101

Being late to things is starting to get uncool in your twenties - time to ditch the excuses and show up on time.

If you’ve ever found yourself racing out the door, texting “I’m on my way!” while you’re very much not on your way, you know the anxiety that comes with always being late. Whether it’s showing up late to hang out with friends or missing important deadlines, running behind can seriously chip away at your credibility—and your peace of mind. The good news? You can totally break the habit. Here’s how to stay on top of your schedule, show up on time, and lose the stress that comes with perpetual lateness.

Accept That Being Late Isn't Cute Anymore

In high school, it might have been easier to laugh off your tardiness, but in your twenties, constant lateness can come across as unreliable—or worse, disrespectful. Acknowledging that being late is a habit you need to fix is the first step toward actually fixing it.

Calculate Realistic “Getting Ready” Times

We all do that little trick where we say, “It only takes me 10 minutes to get ready,” then scramble for 30 minutes. Stop fooling yourself—figure out how long it actually takes.

Set Checkpoints Instead of One Final Deadline

Telling yourself, “I need to leave at 6 PM,” isn’t always enough—especially if you’re prone to distractions. (I get it... same here)

Try this instead:

Create “Mini Alarms”: For instance, if you need to leave by 6 PM, set an alarm for 5:30 PM as a “wrap-up and grab what you need” signal. Set another at 5:45 PM to remind you to put on shoes and step out.

Micro-Deadlines: Break big tasks—like finishing a project—into smaller pieces you can complete in chunks, so you’re not cramming everything at the last minute.

Practice the Art of Saying “No”

Sometimes you’re late because you’re juggling too many things. Between spontaneous coffee invites, volunteering favors, and adding extra errands, you pack your schedule so tightly that being late becomes inevitable.

How to Do It:

Set Boundaries: Know what you can realistically handle in one day.

Offer Alternatives: If you can’t meet up today, suggest a time next week. This not only prevents lateness, but also shows respect for both your schedules

Set Fake Deadlines

If you’re someone who’s always late because you underestimate how long things take this hack is for you. Set a deadline that’s earlier than the real one—like telling yourself you need to be somewhere at 6:45 PM when it actually starts at 7 PM. It’s a little mind game, but it works. You’ll have extra time for those last-minute "Where are my keys?!" moments and over time, you’ll get used to showing up earlier without feeling rushed.

Final Thoughts

Being late doesn’t have to be your forever habit. Learning to manage your time is more than just about showing up on time—it’s about showing up for yourself and the people who matter to you. By taking small, intentional steps like planning ahead, setting realistic deadlines, and giving yourself a little extra buffer, you can start showing up prepared, confident, and stress-free.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress. Start with one or two tips that resonate with you and build from there. Every on-time arrival is a win worth celebrating, and over time, you’ll feel more in control of your schedule—and your life.

You've got this. Always.

With love,

mind4teternity