Make sure that your clothes are clean and crisp. Pick out items that need laundry or ironing in your downtime – these tasks are too time-consuming to manage in the morning rush. Check the weather forecast for the following day on television or online and dress to suit. Choose an outfit to match the weather, especially if it might be cool or rainy. [1] X Research source
A to-do list might be in your head or an actual list. Similarly, it might be for one day or something that you go through each and every day. If you do keep a physical list, try putting it in a prominent place where you will see it, like the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror.
Oatmeal is both delicious and nutritious. You can make enough for a whole week on Sunday evening and keep it safely in the refrigerator. Single packets of instant oatmeal are also just that – instant. It only takes a minute or two to cook. [5] X Research source Breakfast smoothies are great convenience foods, as well. Just find a balanced recipe (try ones with a good balance of fruit and protein), blend, and enjoy. [6] X Research source People often say that fruit is nature’s fast food. It comes prepackaged, ready-to-eat, and can be taken on the go. Bananas, apples, oranges, or grapes are good ideas.
For heavy sleepers, louder alarms might be more effective. Choose an alarm setting that will shake you out of bed. [7] X Research source Radio alarms follow this rule. Choose a rock station over easy listening or talk radio.
Avoid pressing the snooze button. The temptation to sleep just five more minutes can be irresistible. Resist it! It will make you late. Worse still, it often leads to multiple snoozing. Set two alarms if you are a compulsive, multiple snoozer. Put one out of reach, maybe even across the room![8] X Research source
Keep grooming at a reasonable minimum. Doing your makeup and hair and dressing is a time killer, and your ambitions to be punctual may well die in front of the bathroom mirror. This doesn’t mean neglect yourself. Just resist the urge to be perfect. There may be occasions when you should look your absolute best. On those days, plan to spend the extra time. Otherwise aim for efficiency. [10] X Research source
Limit your morning television carefully. The local traffic and weather should be enough until you can catch the 5 o’clock broadcast. If you like to read the paper or the news online, leave it as a treat for the afternoon or between classes. It, like television, will wait for your homecoming.
Take turns in the bathroom. The bathroom is prime real estate in the morning for washing, dressing, and tooth brushing. Establish time limits for its use, negotiate slots, or organize it better. [11] X Research source If you have siblings, help your parents. Your mom and dad may have the best intentions but struggle to get your younger brother, or your teenage sister, up and moving. Be considerate. Try to make their job easier and lend a hand.
This tactic doesn’t always work. Some people automatically subtract the time, knowing that they have a few more minutes in reality.
Do homework as soon as you get home. Don’t put it off your work until the evening or the wee hours of the night. Aim for at least 8 hours each night. This can be higher in the case of teenagers. Unfortunately, the natural sleep patterns of teens often do not match those of schools. [14] X Research source This may be part of why you tend to be late!
Your time is not wasted if you know how to use it. Review your homework or notes from the last class. Bring a book or magazine with you if you fear awkward social interactions. [16] X Research source Lateness shows a disregard for social norms. This is not really a desirable quality to have, if you happen to make yourself late out of defiance or ego.
Punctuality helps organizations work properly. Your school, and later your job, functions by doing certain things at certain times. Lateness bogs down this machine. If one person is late, it slows. If everyone is late, the machine will not work at all. Being late too often can lead to problems. It can land you in detention. Later on, it may lower workplace morale, cause your co-workers to resent you, or even anger your employer. On the contrary, studies show that punctuality is a valued trait in workers. Managers are often less likely to promote chronically late employees.
