How to Stop Being Chronically Late — Permanently
A Tale of a Chronically Late Creator
I’m late for everything. There’s a good chance I’ll be late for my funeral. Sure, there are times when I don’t care if I’m late, but 95% of the time I’m late because I try to fit too much stuff in too small of a window.
Being chronically late is embarrassing. There are many days I’m ashamed of myself for it, but for some reason I can’t force myself to get my shit together — until today. Today was the last straw.
My son missed the bus for the umpteenth time this morning. He missed it because of me. I drove him to school as he sobbed in the backseat. He didn’t get to spend those twenty cherished minutes with his friends. I stole that time from him.
I steal time from loved ones. I steal time from my employer. I steal time from everyone who must sit and wait for me — tapping their fingers on the table.
I really hate myself for it. But it’s all under my control. I’m not going to make excuses for my lateness anymore. I’m not going to joke about it, saying ha ha, yeah, like I’ll be there early tomorrow.
I’ve got all kinds of defensive, stupid coping mechanisms for lateness. But it’s all on me. Being late is selfish. Chronic lateness tells the other person they don’t matter. My six-year-old son had to tell…
