How Do I Stop Being Chronically Late?

[7thLetter]

So this has been an ongoing situation in my life, where I would be several minutes late everywhere I go. I think I created a habit out of it because I lived so close to my first workplace. It was like a paradox, the closer I lived to my workplace, the later I am. I always left at the very last minute, thinking that I would make it on time. Another reason I didn't want to get there early is because I don't want to sit around for 15 minutes at my workplace with nothing to do. Now I tend to be 5-30 minutes late for meeting with friends, dates, work, etc. etc. And it always seems like I have a valid reason to be late, such as "Oh you don't understand, the gym takes an hour and a half for me." I guess I would say that I'm someone who spends a lot of time in the shower, in the washroom and all that. But no matter how much extra time I have lying around, I'm always 5+ minutes late. I'm so good at killing my time with pointless things and leaving at the very last minute.

How do I stop being late??

[Markus]

I (sort of) had a habit of being chronically late. The solution is pretty basic: stop doing the stupid shit you do and keep your eye on the time. Measure out how long it takes you to do activities such as eating, showering etc. Often the reason we struggle with such problems is that we make them into rocket science. Just stop.

[dystopia]

I'm always chronically late too. The time I have been able to get ready in a short while we're rare but what I basically do: get out of my head. My thoughts distract me more than anything. I would focus on getting ready, shower, do my hair, make-up, do things as quickly as I can, keep my mind clear and be in the moment as if getting ready was the only thing that mattered in the world. Usually this works pretty well and I am ready much sooner than I expect. So basically: focus. Don't think about anything else but your goal until it's met. 

[Fishy]

------->LEAVE EARLIER<--------

Edited March 12, 2016 by Fishy

[Stef]

Leave 5 or 10 minutes earlier. I always tend to arrive early even when I think I'm gonna be late.

[Nathalie]

@7thLetter @shouldnt can it be a sort of homeostasis..? Every habit we form can turn in a homeostasis, because when we do always the same, we feel save without judging it..

It's the first idea that came into my mind as i read your messages.. Maybe it helps ?